Many foods consumed by Americans are already banned in other countries because they contain several harmful ingredients, additives, and growth promoters. Even those that are genetically engineered or those used with dangerous practices are associated with health risks, but are still available in the United States. To help you understand, here is a list of foods, where they are banned, and why:
1. Salmon Raised in Farms
Where: Australia and New Zealand
Why: Farmed salmon and other fish are fed with chemicals that are not good for the body. Instead of farmed fish, go for wild ones that don’t eat unnatural grains that come with antibiotics and other drugs.
2. BHA and BHT
Where: UK for BHA, while the European Union and Japan don’t allow both BHA and BHT
Why: Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) are preservatives that you can find in your cereals, chewing gum, meat, beer, and nut mixes among others. When consumed on a regular basis, BHA can cause cancer as found in studies involving rats. BHT, on the other hand, is said to cause toxicity in your organs.
3. Olestra
Where: UK and Canada
Why: Also known as Olean, this is a substitute for fat that is said to not have cholesterol and calories. It is created by Procter and Gamble and is commonly found in French fries and other chips that have no fat. When studied, Olean has caused weight gain to lab rats and they had cramps, leaky bowels, and diarrhea as well. It also interferes with the absorption of vitamins, including A, D, E, and K. Time Magazine3 named Olestra/Olean as one of the worst inventions ever.
4. Potassium Bromate in Bread
Where: China, Canada, and European Union
Why: Bromated flour comes with potassium bromate, which helps in making the dough more elastic and stand up better when connected to bread hooks. When consumed regularly, this can lead to kidney problems and nervous system injuries as well. It is also said to be linked to gastrointestinal discomfort, cancer, and thyroid problems.
5. Chicken with Arsenic
Where: European Union
Why: Chickens with arsenic fool the consumers into thinking that they are fresher because of the pinker meat. Although the FDA stated it is safe, scientific reports claim that the organic arsenic in chicken could become inorganic, which spreads easily from the soil to manure to drinking water.
6. Artificial Dyes in Processed Foods
Where: Norway, Austria, and European Union
Why: There are over 3,000 food additives that are in infant and children foods, which are toxic and can affect children’s behavior. They can also be contaminated with some carcinogens that cause cancer.
7. Flame Retardant Beverages
Where: Europe and Japan
Why: Mountain Dew and other sodas with citrus flavors contain brominated vegetable oil (BVO), which was a flame retardant initially. When consumed in large doses, it can cause problems in behavior and the reproductive system.
8. Meat with Ractopamine
Where: 160 countries in Europe, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Russia
Why: Ractopamine is a beta agonist drug that increases the synthesis of protein. When added to meat, it decreases fat content, so it is used in pigs, cattle, and turkeys all over the US. When consumed, this can cause food poisoning and may increase disability risks and even death.
9. Papaya (GMO)
Where: European Union
Why: Genetically engineered foods, such as papaya, have their genes altered so they become more resilient against diseases and pests. Unfortunately, when consumed on a regular basis, this can cause several diseases, such as tumors, organ damage, and sterility.
10. Dairy Products with rBGH
Where: European Union, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel
Why: Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) is an animal drug used in cows to increase the milk they produce. When humans consume this, it can cause cancers, including prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers.
11. Bleached Flour
Where: Singapore, China, European Union, Brazil, Peru, and Canada
Why: Most countries wait for the flour they use to whiten naturally. In the US though, companies use azodicarbonamide to quickly bleach the flour. The chemical mentioned is used in sneaker soles.
The US has a very competitive marketplace where time and budget are greatly considered. Unfortunately, human health is ignored, which is why the foods and ingredients above are still available.