Summary of 8 American Foods That Are Banned in Other Countries:
Many American food products contain preservatives and additives that may have harmful effects on health, and some of these products have been banned in other countries. Examples include citrus sodas containing brominated vegetable oil (BVO), cereal containing butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), Skittles containing yellow 5 and 6, milk containing recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), bread containing potassium bromate, and meat containing growth hormones like ractopamine. While these additives are still allowed in the US, they are banned in other countries due to potential health risks.
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Banned in Other Countries: Harmful Food Products You Can Still Find in U.S. Grocery Stores
In America, it can be challenging to fully understand the food products we buy as most contain ingredients that are difficult to pronounce or labeled in ways meant to deceive the consumer. Preservatives and additives are commonly used by food manufacturers to keep food fresh for extended periods, but some of these additives can have potentially harmful effects on our health. Unfortunately, there seems to be a disconnect between what is banned in other countries and still deemed “safe” by the FDA in the U.S. Below are some products that are banned in other countries but are still readily available in U.S. grocery stores.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) in Citrus Soda
Citrus-flavored processed foods often use BVO to prevent the citrus from separating from the rest of the product, giving consumers a consistently effervescent drink. BVO contains bromine, which has been linked to irritated skin, loss of memory, and headaches. While PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have agreed to remove BVO from their products, some sodas like Sun Drop still contain the additive. BVO is banned in both the European Union and Japan.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) in Cereal
Cereal products containing BHT have a longer shelf life, making it easier for manufacturers to keep stock. But some animal studies have shown BHT to have carcinogenic effects, as well as a link to kidney and thyroid problems. BHT is banned in countries like Japan and the EU.
Artificial Food Dyes in Skittles
Skittles contain yellow 5 and yellow 6, both of which have been linked to hyperactivity in children and various cancers. Yellow 5 and yellow 6 are banned in several European countries.
Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) in Cow’s Milk
rBGH is a hormone given to cows to increase how much milk they produce. The hormone is banned in the EU and Canada, and studies have suggested that it may be linked to increased cancer risk.
Azodicarbonamide (ADA) in Bread Products
ADA is a bleaching agent that keeps bread and other products looking fresh. It is also found in yoga mats and rubber soles. Although approved by the FDA, it is banned in Europe and has been linked to respiratory problems and skin irritation.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) in Instant Mashed Potatoes
BHA is an additive that keeps fat from going bad in food products on the shelf. However, BHA is a potential carcinogen in humans, and it is banned in the UK and Japan.
Ractopamine in Meat
Growth hormones like ractopamine used in farming practices in the U.S. are used to grow animals at a faster rate. Ractopamine has been banned in many countries due to its potential health risks, including increased heart rate in humans.
Potassium Bromate in Bread Products
Potassium bromate, found in many bread products, has been banned in the UK, Brazil, and Canada. The preservative has been linked to tumor-causing and carcinogenic effects.
In conclusion, it is essential to be mindful of the food products we consume daily as some contain potentially harmful ingredients. Consumers can protect themselves by checking the label and learning more about banned products in other countries. It is our responsibility to make more informed and healthier choices for ourselves and our families.
