6 Foods Americans Love That Are Banned in Other Countries
Some countries took one look at the American shiny apple and said, “Absolutely not.”
The term “American cuisine” is used to describe a melting pot of food favorites across the continent, blending regional ingredients with cultural cooking styles. However, like most things American, there’s also heavy influence derived from elsewhere.
Pizza and spaghetti – both unquestioned American favorites – have such a rich Italian history that most will tell you the American and Italian versions taste very different from one another. The same can be said for the cheeseburger – one of my favorite American foods that has unique German origins. The definitive line between “American food” and not American lies in the eye (or taste buds) of the beholder. But according to food health experts, the most solid evidence of demarcation exists in the accompanying ingredients – otherwise known as the additives.
The substances added to food are used to preserve freshness as well as add or enhance color and taste. While nearly every country uses food additives, regulations differ. The U.S. allows certain dyes and preservatives in foods that other countries don’t, resulting in some American favorites appearing on the banned list overseas.
Here are 6 beloved American favorites that aren’t welcome in other countries.
Chlorinated chicken
Banned in: the European Union (EU)
Since 1997, the EU has prohibited the use of chlorine washes to disinfect chicken during processing. Since the practice is done widely in the U.S., much of the country’s chicken imports have been banned from the EU market unless producers comply with EU processing standards. In addition, the EU has firmer regulations than the U.S. regarding animal welfare.
Prepackaged ground beef
Banned in: the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK)
The EU and UK banned the importing of certain U.S. beef products produced with growth hormones because of the antibiotics and growth hormones used to treat much of the country's cattle. EU scientists concluded hormones, such as estradiol, could be carcinogenic. Also, ractopamine, which is used in about 30% of U.S. cattle feedlotsto improve feed efficiency, is banned or restricted in over 160 countries.
RELATED:The Delicious Ground Beef Hack That Will Save You Serious Money
Ritz crackers
Banned in: Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland and Hungary
Though Ritz is one of the more recognized snack brands in the U.S., they are not officially banned in these countries, though some versions sold internationally may be reformulated due to restrictions on industrial trans fats. Partially hydrogenated oils, once used in some Ritz products, have been heavily restricted in many countries because trans fats are linked to heart disease.
U.S.-grown apples
Banned in: the European Union (EU)
Ever wonder how the apples in the supermarket stay looking so fresh? They aren’t replaced every day. Actually, they’re treated with a preservative called diphenylamine (DPA). Though it keeps the fruit from turning brown, the downside is it’s potentially carcinogenic. The EU restricted apples treated with DPA because of concerns over potentially harmful residues, rather than banning all U.S.-grown apples outright.
U.S. pork
Banned in: The European Union (EU) and Canada
Ractopamine strikes again. This drug, which is given to pigs in the U.S. to make them grow larger while staying lean, is banned in other countries over heart health concerns. Fears over the spread of the swine flu have also led to countries restricting pork imports from America.
Instant mashed potatoes and stuffing
Banned in: Japan, the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK)
Quick meals that come with an assist from trusted American brands like Hungry Jack, Kraft and others are not generally banned in these countries, though some formulations may not comply with local additive regulations due to their use of preservatives. The carcinogenic concerns linked to BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) make these products almost uniquely American. However, you may still find them sold in other markets minus the preservatives.
DeVonne is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering a wide range of lifestyle topics. He's worked on brands like Parents, Men's Journal, Healthline and Bankrate, with focuses on trending news and culture. He’s also led various multimedia initiatives in the wellness and parenting spaces. He currently lives in the Charlotte, NC area.
Readers Also Read
Vitamins You Shouldn’t Take Before Bed
11 Fish You Should Never Eat
12 Items You Should Always Have a Back up Of
10 Classic Midwestern Dishes We Rarely See Anymore
