Around the globe, various practices and products are deemed illegal due to cultural, environmental, and health concerns, yet they remain perfectly legal in the United States. These discrepancies often surprise and sometimes shock, as what is commonplace in one country can be forbidden in another.
Food additives and environmental hazards, for example, the list of items that find acceptance in the U.S. but face bans elsewhere is long.
Let’s take a closer look at these peculiar differences, and examine how differently global standards affect what is considered safe or ethical.
Artificial Food Dyes
In the European Union, many artificial food dyes used in candies, beverages, and processed foods are banned due to health concerns. These include dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5, which are linked to behavioral issues in children. In contrast, these additives are completely legal in the U.S., where they’re commonly found in a variety of brightly colored foods.
Chlorinated Chicken
Chlorinated chicken, which refers to chicken disinfected with chlorine to kill bacteria, is banned in the E.U. due to food safety concerns. However, in the U.S., this practice is legal and widely used as a cost-effective way to manage pathogens. Critics argue that it compensates for poor hygiene standards in poultry farming.
Hormone-treated Beef
The use of growth hormones in beef, which helps increase production efficiency, is banned in the E.U. These hormones are suspected of causing endocrine disruptions in humans. Yet, in the U.S., the use of such hormones is permitted and defended by regulatory authorities as safe for human consumption.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
GMOs are subject to strict regulations in many parts of the world, including much of Europe, where they must be clearly labeled or outright banned. In the U.S., however, GMOs are widespread in the agricultural sector, with most corn and soy genetically modified, and they do not require specific labeling.
Ractopamine in Pork
Used to promote leanness in pigs, ractopamine is banned in over 160 countries, including China and Russia. This ban is based on concerns about its effects on animals and possibly human health. The U.S., however, continues to allow its use, leading to trade tensions with countries that prohibit ractopamine-treated meats.
Flame Retardants
Certain flame retardants banned in the E.U. and Canada due to risks of environmental toxicity and potential health risks are still used in the U.S. These chemicals are commonly found in furniture, electronics, and other consumer goods to prevent the spread of fires.
BPA in Plastics
Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in plastics that has been linked to a variety of health problems, is banned in baby products in the E.U. and Canada. In the U.S., BPA is still legally used in many consumer products, though consumer pressure has led to its voluntary removal from many children’s items.
Atrazine
Atrazine, an herbicide banned in the E.U. due to its potent effects on aquatic life and potential to contaminate water supplies, remains legal in the U.S. It is one of the most widely used herbicides in American agriculture despite ongoing debates about its safety.
Prescription Drug Advertising
The U.S. is one of the few countries that allow direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. This practice is banned in most of the world, including the E.U., to prevent inappropriate self-diagnosis and medication overuse. Critics argue that such advertising increases drug costs and promotes drug use for non-essential reasons.
Animal Testing for Cosmetics
While the E.U. has banned all forms of animal testing for cosmetics along with the sale of animal-tested cosmetics, this practice is still legal in the U.S. However, there is growing consumer and regulatory interest in limiting these practices due to ethical concerns.
Kinder Surprise Eggs
Kinder Surprise Eggs are banned in the U.S. due to a 1930s law against toys in food products that might pose a choking hazard. Meanwhile, these popular chocolate treats, which contain a small toy inside, are widely available throughout Europe and other parts of the world.
Incandescent Light Bulbs
While the E.U. has moved to ban incandescent light bulbs to encourage energy-efficient alternatives, the U.S. has lagged in imposing similar federal restrictions, allowing their continued use. This difference reflects varying approaches to environmental policy and energy conservation.
Foie Gras
Foie gras, which is made from the liver of a duck or goose that has been especially fattened, is banned in over a dozen countries due to animal cruelty concerns. In the U.S., while some states like California have attempted bans, it remains legal and is considered a delicacy in many parts.
Lead in Water Pipes
Lead pipes, which can leach toxic lead into drinking water, are still found in older homes across the U.S., though their use is banned in new construction. Many European countries have taken steps to replace all lead pipes, reflecting stronger public health measures against lead poisoning.
Raw Milk
The sale of raw or unpasteurized milk is legal in various parts of the U.S. under certain conditions, despite being banned in Australia and much of Canada due to health risks like bacterial infections. Advocates in the U.S. praise its nutritional benefits and natural qualities, leading to continued debates over its safety.
Shark Fins
The sale and possession of shark fins are legal in specific parts of the U.S. despite global conservation efforts to ban their trade due to the cruel practice of finning and the threat it poses to shark populations. Many countries have outright bans on shark fin products to protect these marine animals.
Jet Skis in Coastal Waters
Jet skis are banned in some coastal areas around the world to protect the marine environment and reduce noise pollution. In the U.S., restrictions vary locally, but there are no federal bans, allowing their widespread use in many scenic and sensitive marine areas.
Absinthe
Although now legal in the U.S. after a long ban, Absinthe was historically vilified and banned due to misconceptions about its psychoactive effects. In contrast, it was never banned in many European countries, where it has continued to be a popular spirit.
Salvia Divinorum
Salvia divinorum, a psychoactive plant, is legal in several U.S. states but is banned in countries like Australia and most European nations due to concerns about its hallucinogenic properties. In the U.S., its legal status varies widely from state to state, reflecting differing opinions on its use and safety.
Styrofoam Containers
Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene foam, is banned in many cities globally because it is not biodegradable and is difficult to recycle. However, in the U.S., Styrofoam is still widely used for food containers and packaging despite its environmental impact.
Walking While Using a Cell Phone
In some countries, there are restrictions or fines for using a cell phone while walking, aimed at preventing accidents. In the U.S., no such federal laws exist, although debates continue over public safety and the increasing distractions caused by mobile devices.
