8 American Foods Banned Around the World: Here’s Why

The United States is often hailed as a melting pot of food cultures, with everything from hearty comfort foods to lively and colourful cuisines. However, some of these beloved American staples have faced intense scrutiny in other countries, and have even been banned outright due to health concerns caused by their ingredients. From artificial dyes to controversial additives, many of the foods Americans enjoy every day are rejected abroad for safety reasons. Let’s take a deeper look at nine of these foods and uncover why they’re banned in certain parts of the world.

1. **Froot Loops**: This colourful breakfast cereal has been loved by generations of Americans, yet it has been taken off the shelves in countries such as France and Austria. The reason for this is that its bright colours come from artificial food dyes. Scientific studies have shown that these dyes may inhibit cell development. In addition, Froot Loops contains soy, cottonseed oil and hydrogenated coconut oil, which are banned in those countries.

2. **U.S. Chicken**: Chicken from the United States has been a staple food for many families because of its low price. However, the European Union has actually banned the use of this chicken due to the use of chlorine to clean the chicken.

It is understood that the antimicrobial treatment involves washing the chicken in a chlorine solution, which helps to minimise salmonella contamination. Although this method is very successful in reducing bacterial contamination, there is an additional risk of chemical residues. European regulators emphasise safe methods for meat that do not rely solely on end-of-pipe treatments.

3. **Mountain Dew**: Mountain Dew, a greatly sought-after neon green soda, has been prohibited in the European Union and Japan. The culprit? Brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a food ingredient that contains bromine, which is also found in flame retardants. According to the CDC, bromine ingestion has been related to neurological disorders such as memory loss, migraines and reduced motor skills.

While PepsiCo announced plans to remove BVO from its soft drinks in 2014, it wasn’t until 2020 that Mountain Dew removed the controversial ingredient.

4. **U.S. Milk**: The U.S. milk industry relies heavily on rBGH (Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone), a synthetic hormone used to increase milk production in dairy cows. Although rBGH was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993, its use has been banned in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and the European Union due to concerns about its effects on human health. rBGH-treated cows have been found to contain higher levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), which has been linked to an increased risk of breast and other cancers, in their milk. This substance has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and other cancers.

Although the use of rBGH in dairy farming has declined in the United States, with only 9.7% of dairy farms still using the hormone as of 2014, the hormone continues to draw criticism.

5. **Farmed Salmon**: Salmon is typically described as a superfood, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. However, concerns over its manufacturing process have caused countries such as Austria and New Zealand to ban farmed salmon. Farmed salmon are frequently reared in packed pens and fed on processed fish feed, which contains toxic chemicals such as methylmercury and dioxins. These fish are also exposed to antibiotics and other medications, raising worries regarding safety for human consumption.

Sustainability advocates have long criticised the environmental and health impacts of salmon farming. The bans in Austria and New Zealand reflect a commitment to higher standards of food safety and environmental stewardship.

6. **Maraschino Cherries**: The maraschino cherry is often served as the quintessential garnish in cocktails and is a vibrant symbol of American mixology. However, maraschino cherries are banned in Norway, Finland, France and other countries due to the use of Red 40 artificial dye in the cherries. According to studies, excessive consumption of this dye can lead to the probability of developing allergies, migraines and ADHD in children.

7. **U.S. Apples**: The saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ does not apply to American apples. These apples are treated with diphenylamine (DPA), a chemical that prevents browning but is classified as a potential carcinogen.In 2014, European regulators banned the use of DPA in apples, prioritising consumer safety over cosmetic appeal.

While DPA-treated apples are still a staple in the U.S., the EU’s decision highlights different approaches to food safety and the importance placed on reducing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

8. **U.S. Breakfast Cereal Brands**: The addition of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) to popular cereals such as rice kernels and frosted flakes has been banned in Japan and the European Union due to its use. This lab-made flavour enhancer has been linked to cancer and is considered unsafe by many health regulators outside the United States.

The global rejection of these American foods is a fascinating lens through which we can examine the complexities of food safety, regulation, and cultural values. Some may see these bans as reflecting unnecessary caution, while others see them as a necessary step towards a healthier, cleaner diet. By understanding these differences, we can gain a deeper understanding of the different ways in which countries endeavour to protect their citizens from potential harm.

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