1. Froot Loops
Banned in: France, Austria, Norway and Finland
Why it’s banned: A glance at Kellogg’s Froot Loops’ ingredients might explain why the colorful cereals of our childhood are banned in many European countries.
The American breakfast staple is packed with food dyes such as yellow 5 and red 40, which are considered harmful. Many scientific studies link these artificial colors with the inhibition of cell development.
The sugary cereal also contains soybean, cottonseed oil, and hydrogenated coconut — all considered dangerous and banned in the above mentioned countries.
2. US chicken
Banned in: European Union
Why it’s banned: Chlorine-washed chicken doesn’t sound very appetizing, does it?
In the U.S, the chicken is routinely washed in a chlorine solution before it is market ready.
This antimicrobial treatment reduces the possibility of salmonella contamination and other bacteria that can lead to foodborne illness. This is also the main reason the European Union has had a ban on American chicken since 1997.
3. Mountain Dew
Banned in: The European Union and Japan
Why it’s banned: We all know Mountain Dew is not the healthiest of drinks. But, if you still “do the Dew,” you might want to know the lemon-lime drink contains Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO).
This food additive banned in Japan and the European Union contains bromine, the element found in flame retardants.
According to CDC, the consumption of bromine can lead to a number of health problems such as headaches, memory loss, and impaired balance and coordination. It’s also bad for the skin.
PepsiCo announced in 2014 that the dangerous chemical would be removed from its soft drinks. However, BVO wasn’t removed from Mountain Dew’s list of ingredients until 2020.
4. US milk
Banned in: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and the EU
Why it’s banned: Got rBGH? That’s what Europe, Canada, and many other countries are asking about milk produced in the United States …
