Are foods banned in other countries but not in America? Are we in any danger? 

Have you ever wondered why our country is so permissive with all sorts of foods while other countries decide to completely ban them? That’s a good question, heh? Now that I have your attention, let’s get deeper into the topic. Today’s article focuses on an interesting topic that sparks a ton of internet discussions: all the foods banned in other countries but not in the U.S.

If you have ever traveled abroad, you may have noticed that many countries lack your favorite American snacks. Guys, it’s not because Pop-Tarts aren’t well-known in Europe; we know a lot of people who are eager to try these, too.

This is because many of our favorite, easily accessible foods, snacks, and beverages contain ingredients that other nations view as hazardous or potentially dangerous. These are some foods that are only found in our country:

Skittles

Hands up who loves to munch on Skittles. Come on, don’t be shy! Everybody has a guilty pleasure. You may be surprised to find out that Skittles is one of the foods banned in other countries but not in the U.S.

It’s understandable why you can’t taste the rainbow in other countries where artificial food coloring, such as Red 40 and Yellow 5 and 6, is strictly prohibited. Due to their artificial coloring and flavoring, these vibrant candies are prohibited in other countries.

Frosted Flakes

These cereals might be your kid’s favorites, but after reading this, you might think twice before buying them again. Since Frosted Flakes are prohibited in Japan and the EU, Tony must say that there. Health issues like organ-system toxicity and endocrine disruption have been connected to the breakfast cereal’s butylated hydroxytoluene.

Pop-Tarts

Pop-Tarts are a staple in many American households but are one of the foods banned in other countries. Why? Not everyone enjoys these tasty tarts for breakfast as Americans do, and this is because they contain artificial food coloring. Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 are all available in your favorite Pop-Tart flavors.

If you don’t believe us, then you have to check out the label for yourself.

Ritz Crackers

Did you know that a cracker that’s popular in America is viewed as disgusting in other countries? Several other nations, such as the UK, Canada, and Brazil, have banned Ritz crackers.

Potassium bromate, which may be a human carcinogen, is present in these ostensibly harmless, salt-dusted snack containers. Still not convinced? A lot of bread types and bagels contain a flour additive that’s found in Ritz Crackers.

Arby’s Baked Goods

Arby’s uses azodicarbonamide, a dough conditioner, in its baked products, such as French toast sticks and sourdough bread. The FDA continues to approve it even though its use in the United States has decreased due to worries about its carcinogenic potential. Europe, on the other hand, has outright prohibited the ingredient.

Mountain Dew

How many of you like to enjoy an ice-cold can of Mountain Dew on a hot summer day? You’re not alone in the boat! However, wouldn’t you be concerned if we told you that this carbonated beverage is considered radioactive waste in other countries?

A can of Mountain Dew contains brominated vegetable oil. Because of the controversy surrounding BVO, the Dew was labeled a “don’t” in roughly 100 other countries outside of the United States. However, the ingredient is no longer used in the drink.

Gatorade

Gatorade is one of the foods banned in almost entire Europe due to a few prohibited ingredients, such as red 40, yellow 5 and 6, and brominated vegetable oil, all of which have been connected in some way to health hazards.

Twinkies

Who likes Twinkies? Although they are not a popular snack cake, Twinkies are among the most recognizable in America. These cream-filled sponge cakes are prohibited overseas due to the presence of Yellow 5, high fructose corn syrup, and hydrogenated oils, which are considered dangerous and are among the foods banned in other countries but not in the U.S.

Farm-raised salmon

In nations such as Australia and New Zealand, salmon is not farmed. This is because the reddish color of the flesh is produced using artificially produced astaxanthin. Since astaxanthin is found naturally in wild-caught salmon, no synthetic material needs to be made.

Swiss Rolls

Most tourists who come to our country are amazed to see that the snack cake selection at American grocery stores is so big but not so healthy either. For example, the Swiss rolls from Little Debbie might look like an innocent cake covered with delicious chocolate.

Well, for those who don’t know, this cake is one of the foods banned in other countries but not in the U.S. because it contains Yellow 5 and Red 40. We bet that someone from Switzerland would consider this treat blasphemy, judging by its list of ingredients.

Maraschino Cherries

Red 40 is a common ingredient in maraschino cherries, and as we’ve discussed a few times, it’s completely banned in many other countries. Don’t be surprised if you go to Europe and see that one of your favorite snacks is missing from the shelves!

While browsing for a true blue healthy snack, it’s most of the time a huge pain in the neck; we come to your aid and suggest the 90 Calorie Protein Bars that are suitable for a keto diet (and not only), available on Amazon in a pack of 5. 

Olestra (found in most potato chips)

In Canada and the EU, olestra, a fat substitute found in some low-fat snacks like chips, is banned. It has a controversial reputation because it has been connected to gastrointestinal problems like cramps and diarrhea. Although consumer complaints and negative effects have caused its popularity to decline, it is still used as an ingredient in many products sold in the United States.

Wheat Thins

It’s interesting to note that another popular American cracker isn’t allowed in Europe and Japan! Why? Well, the Wheat Thins face restrictions but it’s for a different reason: they contain BHT, which we talked about before as a potential carcinogen.

Chlorine-washed chicken

You’re probably aware of the fact that in our country there is a common practice when it comes to removing bacteria from raw meat. Tell others that chlorine-washed chicken is a “thing” in America, and you’ll probably receive weird looks. For a reason!

The EU forbids it because it can conceal unhygienic practices in the processing of poultry, not because it poses an immediate health risk. Critics contend that using chlorine washes too frequently could jeopardize food safety regulations. Americans frequently eat chicken prepared in this manner without much public awareness, even though it’s a practice banned elsewhere in the world.

Brominated vegetable oil

Another ingredient banned in most European countries but not in the U.S. is brominated vegetable oil.  Used in a lot of beverages (see Mountain Dew above), this ingredient is also found in flame retardants.

Long-term exposure has been associated with neurological and thyroid disorders. However, despite its limited use in recent years, BVO is still permitted in some beverages in the United States, which has caused controversy as its safety is still being questioned.

Why do you think there are so many foods banned in other countries but not in the U.S.? Tell us your opinion in the comments section below.

Are you looking for a scoop full of healthiness this year? Then you may want to check out this article: These Are the 5 Healthiest Fruits You Can Eat!