People across the world are becoming more aware of what they eat and what goes into their food. Several countries have banned food products that do not meet a required standard for consumption. This may be because of a controversial ingredient or additive, but mainly these banned foods have been forbidden due to public health concerns.
A banned food product may be forbidden due to the manufacturing or farming process. It may also be banned because one of its ingredients has been found to make people sick. Other foods have been banned due to the addition of inedible parts, such as the Kinder Surprise Egg in the United States.
There is some debate as to whether or not some of these banned food products are actually dangerous. However, each country that has issued a ban has done so in the best interest of its citizens. Whether it is disallowing a controversial ingredient or regulating how food is grown, each banned food product has a reason for being forbidden in the respective nation.
1. American poultry: In some cases, chicken raised in the United States has been found to contain antibiotics, and it is also typically cleaned with chlorine. This is why American poultry is a banned food product in the EU and Britain.
2. Red Dye No. 40 and Yellow Dye No. 5 and No. 6: These artificial colours have been banned in the UK. Other European countries place warning labels on foods containing these dyes.
3. Bread containing potassium bromate: potassium bromate is an ingredient that strengthens dough and increases elasticity. Due to its negative health effects, the controversial ingredient is banned in several countries, including Canada and Australia.
4. Drinks containing brominated vegetable oil (BVO): BVO is one of the most controversial banned food products, as high consumption of the substance has been found to cause serious health issues related to bromism.
5. The fat substitute Olestra: Olestra became popular as a fat substitute in the United States, but its unpleasant side effects made it a banned food product in Canada and Europe.
6. GMO crops: A majority of EU nations have banned the cultivation of genetically modified crops. However, some nations still allow GMO imports such as animal feed.
7. Kinder Surprise: The popular chocolate egg containing a toy prize was a banned food product in the USA. However, Ferrero announced a variation that complies with American safety standards. It will go on sale starting in 2018.
8. American milk: The sale of American Milk is banned in a number of European countries due to the addition of a bovine growth hormone, which is banned in 101 countries worldwide.
