14 Familiar U.S. Foods That Are Banned In Other Countries
Ever wonder why some of your favorite American snacks and treats can’t be found overseas? Many countries have stricter food safety laws than the US, banning ingredients deemed potentially harmful.
From artificial dyes to growth hormones, these common American foods contain additives that regulators in other nations consider too risky for their citizens to consume.
1. Skittles’ Rainbow of Chemicals
Taste the rainbow? More like taste the chemical cocktail! These colorful candies contain artificial dyes Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40 that have been linked to hyperactivity in children and potential cancer risks.
The European Union requires warning labels on products containing these dyes. Norway and Austria have gone further by banning them completely. The candies also contain titanium dioxide, banned in the EU since 2022.
2. Frosted Flakes’ Preservative Problem
Tony the Tiger might think they’re “Gr-r-reat!” but several countries disagree. The cereal contains butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a preservative that keeps the flakes crunchy but has been linked to cancer in some animal studies.
The European Union, Japan, and the UK have restricted BHT in foods. American manufacturers argue the amounts are too small to cause harm, but other countries prefer a more cautious approach to this questionable additive.
3. Hormone-Treated American Beef
American cattle often receive hormones to grow bigger, faster. Six different growth hormones are commonly used in US beef production, including three that are entirely synthetic.
The EU banned hormone-treated beef in 1989 based on concerns about potential health risks, including cancer and reproductive issues.
This ban created one of the longest-running trade disputes between the US and EU, showing how seriously Europeans take this issue.
4. Little Debbie Swiss Rolls’ Dye Dilemma
These chocolate cake rolls with creamy filling might seem innocent, but they harbor artificial colors Yellow 5 and Red 40. These petroleum-derived dyes have been linked to behavioral problems in children and potential allergic reactions. Norway and Austria have completely banned these dyes.
The EU requires products containing them to carry warning labels about possible negative effects on children’s attention and activity levels. Americans consume these dyes without such warnings.
5. Chlorinated Chicken’s Washing Woes
American poultry processors routinely wash chicken in chlorine solutions to destroy harmful bacteria like Salmonella. While the USDA insists this practice is safe, European regulators disagree.
The European Union banned chlorinated chicken in 1997, arguing that relying on chemical washes encourages poor farming practices.
They believe better animal welfare and hygiene throughout production is the answer, not chemical baths at the end of processing.
6. Pop-Tarts’ Colorful Chemicals
The vibrant fruit fillings in these breakfast pastries come from artificial colors Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40. Studies have linked these petroleum-based dyes to hyperactivity, allergies, and even cancer concerns. Norway and Austria have banned these synthetic colors entirely.
The European Union requires warning labels on products containing them, alerting parents to potential behavioral effects in children. Americans eat these dyes with no such warnings.
7. Ractopamine-Treated American Pork
American pig farmers commonly use ractopamine, a drug that makes pigs grow leaner meat more quickly. This beta-agonist drug increases heart rate and can cause stress and injury to animals.
More than 160 countries have banned pork produced with ractopamine, including the European Union, Russia, and China. The drug remains in meat after slaughter, raising concerns about human consumption.
Most American consumers have no idea their bacon comes from drugged animals.
8. Froot Loops’ Rainbow Risks
Those colorful O-shaped cereals get their vibrant hues from artificial dyes Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40. These petroleum-derived colorings have been linked to behavioral problems in children and potential cancer risks in animal studies. Norway and Austria have banned these dyes completely.
The European Union requires warning labels about possible negative effects on children’s attention spans. Kellogg’s sells a different, naturally colored version in Europe using fruit and vegetable extracts.
9. Bread with Potassium Bromate
Many American bread products contain potassium bromate, a flour-strengthening agent that helps create fluffy textures. This additive has been linked to cancer in animal studies and is classified as a possible human carcinogen.
The United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, Peru, China, and the European Union have all banned potassium bromate in food. American bakers continue using it despite alternatives being readily available. Check your bread labels for this concerning ingredient!
10. Diphenylamine-Treated Apples
American apple growers commonly apply diphenylamine (DPA) to prevent browning during storage. This chemical leaves residues on the fruit’s skin even after washing.
The European Union banned DPA-treated apples in 2014 after studies suggested the chemical might break down into cancer-causing nitrosamines.
American regulators consider the levels safe, but EU officials weren’t convinced by the evidence. Sometimes what keeps food looking fresh isn’t so fresh itself.
11. Artificial Food Dyes in Candy
Many American candies contain petroleum-based artificial colors like Blue 1, Red 40, and Yellow 5. These synthetic dyes have been linked to behavioral problems in children and potential cancer risks in animal studies.
The United Kingdom banned six artificial dyes after research showed links to hyperactivity. Norway and Austria have similar bans.
Many American candy manufacturers make alternative versions with natural colors for European markets while continuing to use cheaper artificial dyes at home.
12. Brominated Flour in Baked Goods
Some American bakeries use bromated flour, treated with potassium bromate to strengthen dough and help it rise higher. This additive has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals and is classified as a possible human carcinogen.
The United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union have banned potassium bromate in food products. California requires warning labels on products containing it.
Many major American bread makers have voluntarily stopped using it, but it remains legal nationally.
13. Pink Slime in Ground Beef
This appetizing-sounding product is actually “lean finely textured beef”—meat trimmings washed in ammonia gas to destroy bacteria. The process turns previously inedible scraps into usable filler for ground beef products.
The European Union banned ammonia-treated beef, citing food quality concerns. Canada also prohibits this process.
American consumers were largely unaware this filler existed until 2012 media coverage sparked outrage, leading some—but not all—retailers to stop using it.
14. Olestra in Fat-Free Snacks
Remember those “WOW!” chips from the 1990s? They contained olestra (brand name Olean), a fat substitute that passes through the digestive system unabsorbed. Sounds great until you read the required warning label about “loose stools” and “anal leakage.”
Canada and the European Union banned Olestra due to these unpleasant side effects and concerns about vitamin depletion.
The FDA eventually removed the warning requirement, but most manufacturers abandoned the ingredient anyway. Sometimes zero calories come with a price!