10 Foods Americans Love That Are Banned in Other Countries

When it comes to food, different countries have varying standards and regulations to ensure public health and safety. Interestingly, many foods that Americans consume daily are banned in other parts of the world due to health concerns.

I had heard this before, but I was still surprised when I was in Italy and saw an orange soda that was the color of orange juice instead of the bright neon orange color we are used to seeing in the US.

The more I travel, the more I notice the food quality differences in other countries versus the food when I come home. When I’m abroad, I have fewer stomach issues, more energy, and much more enjoyable meals.

From popular beverages to everyday snacks, the following list explores ten such foods, delving into why they are considered hazardous, what Americans are eating, and the reasons behind their international bans.

1. Mountain Dew

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Mountain Dew contains brominated vegetable oil (BVO), which is linked to memory loss and skin and nerve problems. In America, this popular citrus-flavored soft drink is widely consumed.

However, it is banned in the European Union and Japan because BVO is a synthetic chemical that is also used as a flame retardant.

2. Farm-Raised Salmon

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Farm-raised salmon is fed an unnatural diet of grains, antibiotics, and other drugs to fatten them up, leading to higher levels of dioxins and other toxins. In many grocery stores and restaurants, Americans consume this as a cheaper alternative to wild-caught salmon.

Australia, New Zealand, and Russia have banned farm-raised salmon due to these health concerns.

3. Ractopamine-treated Meat

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Ractopamine, a drug given to livestock to promote lean meat, is linked to cardiovascular issues and increased stress in animals. In the US, pork, beef, and turkey treated with ractopamine are common, with products like certain pork chops and beef cuts available in supermarkets.

This practice is banned in the European Union, China, and Russia due to its potential health risks.

4. Artificial Food Dyes

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Artificial food dyes, such as Yellow 5 and Red 40, are linked to hyperactivity in children, allergies, and potential carcinogenic effects. In America, these dyes are found in candies, cereals, baked goods, and sodas like M&M’s and Froot Loops.

Norway, Austria, and the European Union (which has restrictions) ban these dyes because of their associated health risks.

5. Olestra (Olean)

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Olestra, a fat substitute, can cause gastrointestinal issues and inhibit essential nutrient absorption. Americans consume it in fat-free potato chips and snacks, such as Lay’s WOW chips.

Olestra is banned in Canada and the European Union due to its adverse digestive effects and potential nutrient depletion.

6. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

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There are concerns over the potential long-term health effects and environmental impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In the US, GMOs are prevalent in corn, soybeans, canola, and cottonseed products, including many processed foods and snacks like Doritos.

The European Union, Russia, and New Zealand ban GMOs because of uncertain health and ecological risks.

7. Chlorine-Washed Chicken

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Chlorine-washed chicken is treated with chlorine to kill bacteria, which can mask unsanitary practices. In America, poultry products like many frozen chicken breasts and thighs are washed in chlorine.

This practice is banned in the European Union, which prefers maintaining hygiene throughout the process rather than relying on end-product sanitization.

8. Potassium Bromate

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Potassium bromate, used as a flour improver, is linked to cancer in lab animals. It is commonly found in bread, rolls, and pizza dough in the US, such as in many store-bought bread products.

Canada, the European Union, and China have banned potassium bromate due to its carcinogenic potential.

9. BHA and BHT

A supermarket shelf stacked with various colorful cereal boxes, including Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, and Rice Krispies.
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Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are preservatives linked to cancer and endocrine disruption. In America, these are found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils, including popular brands like Kellogg’s and Pringles.

The United Kingdom, European Union, and Japan ban these preservatives because of their potential carcinogenic and hormonal effects.

10. Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH)

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Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) increases milk production but is linked to cancer and antibiotic resistance. Americans consume dairy products from rBGH-treated cows, such as certain brands of milk and cheese.

The European Union, Canada, and Japan have banned rBGH due to health concerns for both cows and humans, including an increased risk of cancer.

Author: Hannah Healy

Title: Writer

Expertise: Travel, Food, Wellness

Hannah is the published author of The Ultimate Paleo Cookbook and an avid writer in the health, entertainment, travel, and personal finance spheres. She is also the owner and founder of Healy Eats Real, a health and wellness website providing recipes and wellness information for over ten years. Her work has been featured on Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, Redbook, Fitness, and MSN.

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