Eating in the US is never short of fun and delight, thanks to the influx of ingredients and cuisines from all over the world, and a wide variety of homegrown staple foods. But, did you know that many of the foods that you love to eat there are banned in most of the countries?

Here’s a list of 10 foods that are banned in other countries, but Americans still love them and eat them happily.

1. Arsenic-laced Chicken

In the US, animal feeds contain arsenic-based drugs as it helps the animals grow faster and also helps the meat appear full, fresh, and pink. According to FDA, these drugs are safe for livestock intake as they contain organic arsenic that is usually less toxic than inorganic arsenic.

However, the laboratory reports state that organic arsenic eventually turns into inorganic arsenic. It can lead to elevated arsenic levels in chicken.

Arsenic exposure can cause various diseases such as anemia, kidney failure, low blood pressure, headache, and infant mortality.

Where Is It Banned 

All European countries never approved of arsenic-based compounds to be used as animal feed because the inorganic arsenic contaminates manure and that can pollute drinking water as well.

2. Milk Containing rBGH

rBGH or the Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone is the largest selling dairy animal drug in the US. rBGH is a synthetic version of natural BST (bovine somatotropin). The drug is injected into cows to increase their milk production.

Where Is It Banned 

Dairy products containing rBGH are banned in Australia, EU, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, and 30 other nations. It is dangerous as it turns normal tissue cells into cancerous cells and also increases the risk of prostate, colorectal, and breast cancers.

3. Genetically Engineered Food (Papaya)

Genetically engineered papayas are resistant to the papaya ringspot virus. But, studies show that the animals that were given genetically engineered food suffer from a wide range of troubles including multiple organ and intestinal damage, tumors, and birth defects.

Where Is It Banned 

Genetically engineered food is strictly banned in European countries. However, the US government is unable to take a final and reasonable decision regarding genetically engineered foods.

4. Bread With Potassium Bromate

Are you aware of the fact that when you eat bread, or a hot dog bun, or even a hamburger, you are eating bromate? Bromate is an ingredient used in making bread flour and some other baked goods. It helps to make the bread dough more elastic.

Where Is It Banned

The bromate additive is banned in Europe, Canada, and China as studies show that it is linked to kidney damage, thyroid problems, and other gastrointestinal discomforts. It is also classified as a carcinogen and is, hence, banned in most countries.

5. Flame Retardant In Energy Drinks

Flame retardants present in energy drinks can cause acne, loss of appetite, skin rashes, and other cardiac problems. However, the FDA has approved them in sodas and other sports drinks.

Where Is It Banned

As flame retardants are linked to severe organ damage and growth problems, they are banned in 18 European countries and in Japan.

6. Farm-Raised Salmon

Since decades, salmon has been a hot topic of debate. Studies by the Environmental Protection Agency prove that farm-raised salmon fish exceed the safety level for daily consumption. Salmon fish are raised with a mix of drugs, chemicals, vitamins, and antibiotics and are fed a synthetic – astaxanthin that helps them to achieve the distinct pink-red color. 

Where Is It Banned

Salmon farm-raised fish are banned in Russia, New Zealand, and Australia as the toxins present in them can accumulate in the human body and can pass on to the newborn babies through mother’s milk.

7. Ractopamine – Tainted Meat

Ractopamine is nothing but a repartitioning agent that helps in increasing protein synthesis, and is commonly used in livestock. This drug was actually used for asthma. It was also found to make mice more muscular and healthy.

As per records, since 1998, around 1,800 people in around 160 different countries were poisoned after eating pigs that were fed with ractopamine.

Where Is It Banned

Ractopamine is banned in Russia, Taiwan, and 150 countries across Europe as it is linked with increased death and other disabilities.

8. BHA And BHT Preservatives

BHA and BHT are the most widely used preservatives found in many products such as meat, butter, cereals, and beer. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) is a cancer-causing agent, whereas BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)  causes toxicity in the organ system.

Where Is It Banned

BHA and BHT are strictly banned as ingredients in infant foods in Europe and Japan as they are considered to trigger hyperactivity and some allergic reactions.

9. Olestra

Olestra, also known as olean, is actually a cholesterol and calorie-free snack, manufactured by Procter & Gamble. This snack was counted one amongst the world’s worst 50 inventions by Time magazine, but still people consider it as a healthy and fat-free snack.

Where Is It Banned

Olestra is banned in UK and Canada as reports claim that it causes harmful reactions in the intestine, leading to diarrhea, cramps, and leaky bowels. Purdue University conducted an experiment on rats in 2011. They were fed with Olean potato chips and it was found that they gained weight rather than losing it. It also interferes with the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K.

10. Processed Food With Artificial Food Colors And Dyes

Food additives including artificial colors and dyes are used widely in US foods, including children and infant foods.

Studies prove that artificial colors contain high levels of toxic and health damaging components that affect children’s behavior.

Where Is It Banned

These so-called rainbow additives are banned in most of the countries, including Australia and Norway, as they cause behavioral problems, birth defects, and cancer.

This is the list of American foods banned across other countries. So, don’t be left in the dark regarding your health, and create more awareness by sharing this article.

The post 10 American Foods That Are Banned In Other Countries appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

by Jyotsana rao via STYLECRAZE