7 International Foods Banned in the U.S.

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Because of its multicultural society, Americans probably enjoy one of the most diverse diets on earth. In most cities, it is possible to purchase foods or eat in restaurants which serve cuisine from all over the world. However, there are some international foods that are illegal here in the U.S., mostly due to health and safety or animal welfare concerns. Seven of them are listed below.

Puffer Fish

With the exception of very few restaurants whose chefs must be trained and licensed, the consumption of this fish is banned in the United States because of the potentially lethal tetrodotoxin. This toxin acts upon the nervous system and can paralyze your muscles, including those that allow you to breathe.

Kinder Surprise Chocolate Eggs

These chocolate eggs from Germany contain a toy in the middle of the egg – which is why they have been banned in the United States, due to a federal law enacted in 1938 which illegalizes toys in food products due to the potential for choking hazards that such products present.

Casu Marzu

This Italian cheese is a local specialty and is deliberately allowed to rot and become infested with maggots. The maggots lay eggs within the cheese and are allowed to live there until the cheese is ready for consumption.

Haggis

This sausage-like national dish of Scotland is banned in the United States because it contains sheep’s lung. The USDA has banned foods containing lungs of any kind since 1971, a law based on safety concerns.

Ackee

This popular Jamaican fruit can be purchased as a frozen or canned product but the fresh fruit has been banned from the United States. This is because, although the fruit is safe is entirely ripe, unripe fruit contains hypoglycin A and B which can result in coma or death.

Foie Gras

This is actually only banned in California due to concerns about the animal rights violations in its production; it is made in France by force-feeding ducks and geese with feeding tubes to deliberately fatten their livers to make this pate.

Shark Fin

Shark Fin soup is considered a delicacy in China, but it has led to overharvesting and many scientists estimate that some shark populations have gone down by as much as 90% due to being hunted for their fins. It has been banned in the eight states which make up the majority of the market in the U.S.

Let’s be honest, though: most people are not going to be upset by the fact that Americans are denied access to a soup made from shark fins or a sausage-stuffed sheep’s lung. There are still plenty of amazing and delicious foreign foods that are available here to keep most people busy exploring for a very long time.

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Christine . S
Christine has written articles on most health-related topics, including traditional medicine, alternative and naturopathic and natural treatments, wellness, medical marijuana, diets and fitness.