Many people do not even realize this, but there are a lot of different foods in this country that have been banned elsewhere – mostly because of the negative impact they can have on human health. Below are a list of the ten worst offenders that other countries have outlawed – and which Americans should stop eating right away because of the potential health effects.
Farmed Salmon
Although the farmed salmon is much fattier than the wild, it actually has far fewer Omega-3 fatty acids. It also tends to have high concentrations of dioxins, PCB’s and other harmful chemicals, which is why is in Russia, Australia and New Zealand.
GMO Papaya
Around ninety percent of papayas grown in Hawaii are not genetically modified; this was done in response to the potential threat of a ringspot virus which had devastated the fruit in other states; however, because of its modification it has been banned in the European Union.
Ractopamine-Tainted Meat
This chemical is used as a muscle enhancer in many conventionally-raised pigs, cows and chickens, but it can also remain in the meat sold for human consumption. This drug is linked to reproductive issues and behavioral changes and is banned in China, Taiwan and Russia.
Flame Retardant-Laced Drinks
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO), originally designed as a flame retardant, is also found in many sodas such as Mountain Dew and Sunkist. It can cause rashes, appetite loss and cardiac arrhythmias and has been banned in Japan and throughout Europe.
Processed Foods with Additives
Foods with artificial dyes, flavors and preservatives are ubiquitous in the U.S., including in products like infant formula. These additives have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and severe pediatric allergies and are banned in the E.U.
Arsenic-Laced Chicken
Arsenic is used in some drugs in the U.S. as a growth enhancer and to make the meat appear pinker. This can remain in the meat and chronic exposure can lead to anemia, low blood pressure and permanent damage to the kidneys. It is also banned in the E.U.
Bread with Potassium Bromate
This is used in many commercial bread products to make the dough more elastic. However, it has been linked to thyroid, nervous system and kidney damage and increases cancer risk. It has been banned in Canada, China and the E.U.
Olean
This calorie-free fat substitute is in many “diet” foods and has been marketed heavily as a health food, but it has been known to cause adverse gastric reactions like diarrhea, cramping and bloating and is banned in Canada and the U.K.
BHA and BHT
These are very common preservatives in processed foods like margarine, breakfast cereal and chewing gum. However they are suspected carcinogens which can also trigger severe allergic reactions are banned in both Japan and the E.U.
Dairy Tainted with rBGH
rBGH is a synthetic growth hormone injected into cows for both growth and increased milk production. Because they have been linked to the development of breast, prostate and colorectal cancer and have been banned in Australia, New Zealand, Israel, the E.U. and Canada.
Americans definitely need to be aware of – and avoid – products that, though legal here, have been banned in other countries do to health risks. While this list is not comprehensive, it at least gives people a good start on what to look for.
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