Governments around the world often have stricter laws regarding food additives and processing methods than those that the FDA approves in the United States. This means that some foods and drinks Americans regularly enjoy are prohibited from being sold in other countries. This article examines 18 popular foods and ingredients you might not find abroad and why!
Lean Finely Textured Beef
Nicknamed “pink slime” due to its heavily processed texture, ‘lean finely textured beef’ is a permitted addition to ground beef products in the U.S. However, ResearchGate asserts that LFTB is treated with ammonia gas to kill bacteria, and some countries have deemed this unnecessary and potentially harmful to consumers, including the EU, Japan, and Russia.
Mountain Dew
This citrus-flavored soda contains brominated vegetable oil (BVO), an emulsifier that keeps the citrus flavorings from separating. While the FDA deems BVO safe, the European Union and Japan have banned it because studies have linked bromine to health problems such as memory loss and skin and nerve problems. For the same reason, you won’t find Fresco in these countries either.
Olestra (Olean)
Also known as Olean, this fat substitute was once a popular choice worldwide for producing diet foods like potato chips and cookies. However, scientists have found that Olestra can interfere with the absorption of some nutrients and cause digestive issues. While still used in certain American diet products, Canada and the EU have banned Olestra due to safety concerns.
Ractopamine-Treated Meat
Ractopamine is an additive added to livestock feed that is used in some countries (including the U.S.) to promote leanness in meat products. However, in 2013, Russia, the European Union, and China banned its use in agriculture. The governments of these countries were concerned about animal welfare and potential residues of ractopamine in meat designated for human consumption.
Bread Containing Potassium Bromate
This ‘bread conditioner’ strengthens bread dough, allowing it to rise more. Although the FDA approves it at certain levels, EatingWell writes, “Studies have linked potassium bromate to cancer in laboratory animals, and it’s been classified as a possible human carcinogen by the IARC.” For this reason, it’s banned in the European Union, Canada, and China.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Genetically modified crops are those grown from organisms whose genetic structure has been altered to improve their taste, size, yield, or resistance. Although no evidence suggests that GMOs are unsafe, they’ve been heavily criticized as unnatural. GMOs are prevalent in U.S. products but have been partially or fully banned in 26 countries, mainly in Europe.
Partially Hydrogenated Oils (PHOs)
These man-made fats were once widely used in processed foods to extend their shelf life, but health concerns have prompted many countries to ban them. Although the FDA also banned their use in most U.S. foods in 2018, they are still present in American fried foods and certain processed products. Other countries have implemented more complete bans.
Red 40 Food Dye
This common red dye is used in several foods and beverages in the U.S. but is widely forbidden elsewhere. The New York Times reports that Red 40 is banned in U.S. cosmetics due to fears that it’s a carcinogen. Yet, it’s still a permitted food colorant in most states besides California, which banned it. It’s also been linked to behavioral issues like hyperactivity in children.
Milk Containing rBGH/rBST
Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) and somatotropin (rBST) are hormones used to increase milk production in American dairy cows. The European Union, Canada, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand have all banned these hormones due to concerns about animal welfare and human health effects, yet the FDA has deemed them safe.
Chlorine-Washed Chicken
The U.S. Department of Agriculture permits chlorine (bleach) washes in poultry production to reduce bacterial growth on chicken carcasses before they are packaged and sold to consumers. This practice is completely banned in the European Union due to concerns about potential health risks to people who may ingest unhealthy amounts of chlorine.
Azodicarbonamide (ADA) in Bread
This dough conditioner strengthens bread dough, allowing for a chewier texture that many consumers enjoy. Yet, it’s banned in the European Union and Australia due to concerns that it causes asthma and the fact that it breaks down to form compounds that are carcinogenic to humans. The FDA considers it safe at approved levels, but some U.S. bread-buyers avoid it.
Yellow 5 & Yellow 6 Food Dyes
These dyes are found in American candy, cereals, and other processed foods and are deemed safe by the FDA. Due to studies that have found a link between these dyes and hyperactivity in children, the European Union has implemented much stricter controls: some countries have banned the dyes altogether, while others demand specific labeling protocols.
Fugu
This type of pufferfish is a delicacy in Japan, but preparing it requires a highly skilled chef because it contains tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin that causes paralysis and death. Tasting Table claims that “two or three milligrams of TTX is enough to kill a human.” The import and sale of fugu are illegal in the UK and EU for fear of accidental poisonings, yet America allows its sale under strict conditions.
Potato Chips Containing BHAs and BHTs
Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene are both antioxidant preservatives commonly found in American potato chips, vegetable oils, cereals, and even chewing gum! They prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. While the FDA considers them safe at approved levels, many countries, including the EU, have banned them due to their carcinogenic properties.
Artificial Sweetener Acesulfame K
Acesulfame potassium is an artificial sweetener 200 times sweeter than sugar that is used in diet sodas, sugar-free baked goods, and other U.S. products aimed at diabetics and dieters. Although not completely banned in the EU, there are lower limits on acceptable daily intake, and products containing too much aren’t permitted due to concerns over cancer and birth defects.
Unpasteurized Milk and Cheese
Pasteurization is the process of heat-treating milk to kill harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella, E.coli, and listeria. Under certain restrictions, the FDA allows the sale of unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses. In contrast, many foreign countries have implemented strict bans to protect public health, especially that of pregnant women and children.
Food Cooked in Non-Stick Pans
Some man-made chemicals used in American non-stick coatings, including perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), are banned in other countries. The FDA is currently investigating PFCs, which also lurk in some U.S. food packaging. A growing body of research suggests they can cause cancer, thyroid issues, and developmental problems in children.
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
This corn sweetener isn’t actually banned abroad, but it is far more heavily restricted and less prevalent than in U.S. food products. Being cheap and easy to produce, it’s a common sweetener in a huge range of American foods. Yet some health experts have linked HFCS to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, hence why the European Union has limited its use.
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