Last Updated on February 18, 2023 by Lauren Beck
When it comes to food safety, the United States has some of the strictest regulations in the world. However, there are still some foods that are banned in the US due to safety concerns, environmental issues, or political reasons.
In this article, we’ll take a look what are the foods that are banned in the US and explore the reasons behind their bans.
20 Foods That Are Banned in the US:
- Beluga Caviar: Due to the endangered status of the Beluga sturgeon, the import of Beluga caviar is banned in the US.
- Kinder Surprise Eggs: These chocolate eggs with a toy inside are banned in the US due to the potential choking hazard presented by the small toy.
- Haggis: A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep organs and oatmeal, haggis is banned in the US due to concerns about the safety of the sheep lungs used in the dish.
- Ackee Fruit: This tropical fruit is the national fruit of Jamaica, but it is banned in the US due to the presence of a toxin that can cause vomiting, seizures, and even death.
- Sassafras Oil: This oil, which is used in traditional root beer, is banned in the US due to concerns about the safety of the chemical safrole, which has been linked to cancer in animal studies.
- Shark Fins: The import and export of shark fins is banned in the US due to the unsustainable and often inhumane practice of shark finning.
- Foie Gras: This French delicacy made from the liver of force-fed ducks or geese is banned in several states in the US due to concerns about animal cruelty.
- Mirabelle Plums: These small yellow plums are banned in the US due to concerns about the spread of plum pox virus.
- Bushmeat: Meat from wild animals, such as monkeys or bats, is banned in the US due to concerns about the spread of diseases such as Ebola and SARS.
- Puffer Fish: Also known as fugu, this Japanese delicacy is banned in the US due to the potentially deadly toxin tetrodotoxin that is found in the fish’s organs.
- Pig’s Blood Cake: This Taiwanese dish made from pig’s blood and rice is banned in the US due to concerns about the safety of the pig’s blood.
- Pom Wonderful: This brand of pomegranate juice is banned in the US due to false health claims made in its advertising.
- Synthetic Trans Fats: These artificial fats, which are used in many processed foods, are banned in the US due to concerns about their negative health effects.
- Chloramphenicol: This antibiotic is used in some countries to treat infections in animals, but it is banned in the US due to concerns about the risk of a rare blood disorder.
- Ractopamine: This drug, which is used to promote muscle growth in livestock, is banned in many countries including the European Union and China due to concerns about its safety.
- Bread with Potassium Bromate: This chemical, which is used to improve the texture of bread, is banned in the US due to concerns about its potential to cause cancer.
- Purple Carrots: While not technically banned, purple carrots are not allowed to be sold in the US due to outdated food color regulations.
- Mexican Papayas: Due to concerns about the spread of salmonella, Mexican papayas are banned in the US.
- Absinthe: This alcoholic beverage, which contains the chemical thujone, is banned in the US due to concerns about its potential to cause hallucinations and other health problems.
- Chinese Chicken: In 2015, the US banned the import of chicken from China due to concerns about the quality and safety of the chicken.
What Meats Are Banned in the US?
In addition to Chinese chicken, there are several other meats that are banned in the US:
- British Beef: In the 1990s, the US banned the import of British beef due to concerns about mad cow disease.
- Sheep and Goat Heads: The import of sheep and goat heads is banned in the US due to concerns about the spread of diseases such as scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
- Kangaroo Meat: Despite being a popular food in Australia, kangaroo meat is banned in the US due to concerns about the safety of the meat.
What Fruit Is Illegal in the USA?
In addition to ackee fruit and Mexican papayas, there are several other fruits that are illegal in the US:
- Noni Fruit: This tropical fruit is banned in the US due to concerns about the safety of its juice.
- Pomelo Fruit: This large citrus fruit is banned in the US due to concerns about the spread of plant diseases.
Is It Illegal to Grow Your Own Food in the US?
No, it is not illegal to grow your own food in the US. In fact, many people grow their own fruits and vegetables in their backyards or community gardens. However, there are some restrictions on what can be grown in certain areas due to zoning laws and other regulations.
Can You Cross Bananas Into the US?
Yes, bananas are allowed to be imported into the US, but they are subject to inspection and quarantine to ensure that they are free of pests and diseases.
Why Can’t You Bring Cooked Meat Into the US?
Cooked meat is not allowed to be brought into the US from certain countries due to concerns about the spread of diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and mad cow disease. The ban also includes some types of cured meat, such as salami and chorizo [1].
What European Food Is Banned in the US?
There are several types of European food that are banned in the US due to concerns about the safety of the food:
- Horse Meat: While it is legal to eat horse meat in many countries, it is banned in the US due to cultural and safety concerns.
- Black Pudding: This traditional British blood sausage is banned in the US due to concerns about the safety of the pig’s blood used in the dish.
Conclusion
While the US has some of the strictest food safety regulations in the world, there are still some foods that are banned due to safety concerns, environmental issues, or political reasons. From haggis to Beluga caviar, the list of banned foods in the US is varied and wide-ranging. By understanding the reasons behind these bans, we can make more informed decisions about what we eat and where our food comes from.
Reference:
- https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/traveler/intl-travel/meat-poultry-seafood/meat-poultry-seafood#:~:text=USDA%20does%20not%20allow%20travelers%20to%20bring%20back%20most%20poultry,Highly%20pathogenic%20avian%20influenza
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