Different countries have different regulations regarding ingredients that are allowed in foods. Counties around the world have banned a lot of American food products due to the addition of questionable chemicals, dyes, and preservatives.
Here we have picked 10 popular American foods that are banned in other countries:
Skittles
Banned in: Mostly E.U. Countries
Why it’s banned: Did you know that titanium dioxide is used in many food categories as a food additive? The presence of this very additive got Skittles banned in a few countries but not in the United States.
That’s because the FDA deems titanium dioxide safe to use in foods and personal care products, while the European Food Safety Authority has banned the use of titanium dioxide as a food additive. However, experts haven’t been able to prove the immediate health concern of using titanium dioxide as a food additive.
Pillsbury Biscuits
Banned in: European countries like Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland
Why it’s banned: Not just Pillsbury biscuits, Pillsbury’s buttery, flaky biscuits and crescent rolls have also been banned in certain countries. The reason? These Pillsbury products contain hydrogenated oils or trans fats, which have been linked to various health issues such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
American Pork
Banned in: Over 150 countries including China, Japan, South Korea, and Russia
Why it’s banned: American pork has been banned in certain countries due to concerns regarding the use of ractopamine. Ractopamine is a feed additive commonly used in pork production in the United States to promote lean muscle growth in pigs.
However, it’s assumed that ractopamine-fed pigs are safe when it is used according to the label.
Chlorinated Chicken
Banned in: European Union
Why it’s banned: Have you ever heard about chlorine-washed chicken? Yes, it is common in the United States to rinse poultry with antimicrobial agents like chlorine or chlorine dioxide during the processing stage.
However, chlorinated chicken has been banned in the European Union (EU) due to concerns about the safety of the chlorination process and its potential health implications.
American Ground Beef
Banned in: Canada, the EU, and a few other countries
Why it’s banned: Some countries have banned American ground beef due to concerns over contamination with an unhealthy food additive called “pink slime.” Although the slime is made from beef by-products, critics argue that the process of creating pink slime may increase the risk of bacterial contamination and compromise the nutritional value of ground beef.
Coffee-Mate
Banned in: Mostly European Countries like Austria, Hungary, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland
Why it’s banned: Coffee with a creamer tastes great, right? But countries like Austria, Hungary, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland may have restrictions or bans on certain coffee creamers, including Coffee Mate, due to concerns about adverse health effects from the hydrogenated vegetable oil used in these products.
Stricter EU regulations regarding food additives and the use of artificial ingredients in food products have also contributed to the bans on Coffee Mate in European countries.
Farm-Raised Salmon
Banned in: New Zealand and Australia
Why it’s banned: Farm-raised salmon has faced restrictions and bans in certain countries due to concerns about environmental sustainability and food safety.
Also, researchers have found toxic chemicals, such as methylmercury and dioxins, in farm-raised salmon which has further raised concerns about potential health risks for consumers.
Froot Loops
Banned in: Australia and Europe
Why it’s banned: Froot Loops, the colorful and fruity cereal from Kellogg’s, has been banned most recently in countries like France, Austria, Norway, and Finland. Critics say there’s NO fruit in those loops, yet rich in high sugar contents.
Drumstick Frozen Desserts
Banned in: European Union
Why it’s banned: Another popular Nestlé product among U.S. consumers as a convenient and indulgent frozen treat, Drumstick ice cream cones, has been hit with restrictions and bans in the EU. Carrageenan, an additive derived from seaweed, is in question here. The EU has implemented regulations that restrict the use of carrageenan in certain food products, particularly those intended for infants and young children.
Little Debbie Swiss Rolls
Banned in: Austria and Norway
Why it’s banned: You won’t find Little Debbie Swiss Rolls in a few countries like Austria and Norway. The concern related to Little Debbie Swiss Rolls is that they contain food dyes that are linked to hyperactivity in children and have potential carcinogenic effects.