21 Foods and Ingredients Permitted in the US But Forbidden Overseas

Cooking Woman Meal Prep Healthy Singing Yuganov Konstantin Shutterstock
image credit Yuganov-Konstantin/Shutterstock

While the U.S. sets the standard in various sectors, not all additives used in its food industry are accepted worldwide.

Many substances commonly used in the United States are banned or restricted in other countries due to health concerns. So why are these ingredients legal in the U.S. but prohibited elsewhere?

Let’s take a closer look at these international food safety discrepancies to help consumers make more informed choices about what they eat.

Artificial Food Dyes

colorful candies background jelly candy gummies gummy bears Ewa Studio Shutterstock
image credit: Ewa Studio/Shutterstock

In the U.S., artificial dyes are used to enhance the color of candies, drinks, and snacks. However, countries like Norway and Austria have banned these dyes due to health concerns, including potential links to hyperactivity in children. Consumers looking for natural options should check labels for dyes like Red 40.

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)

food olive oil mediterranean DUSAN ZIDAR Shutterstock
image credit: DUSAN ZIDAR/Shutterstock

Used in some citrus-flavored soft drinks in the U.S., BVO contains bromine, which can accumulate in the body leading to thyroid issues. It is banned in over 100 countries including the European Union and Japan.

rBGH and rBST

Woman in Kitchen Fridge Milk Dean Drobot Shutterstock
image credit: Dean Drobot/Shutterstock

Recombinant bovine growth hormone and recombinant bovine somatotropin are synthetic hormones given to dairy cows to increase milk production. These hormones are banned in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and the E.U. due to animal welfare concerns and possible health risks to humans.

Azodicarbonamide

Blt sandwich made with bacon lettuce and tomato on toasted whole grain bread Charles Brutlag Shutterstock
image credit: Charles Brutlag/Shutterstock

Commonly found in U.S. bread as a dough conditioner, azodicarbonamide is banned in Australia, the U.K., and European countries. It has been linked to respiratory issues and allergies. Shoppers can look for bread without this chemical by reading ingredient lists closely.

Olestra

young male eating tasty potato chips while watching TV at home couch sitting pixel shot shutterstock
image credit: pixel-shot/Shutterstock

Olestra, a fat substitute used in some potato chip brands, can cause digestive issues and has been linked to a reduction in the body’s ability to absorb essential vitamins. It is banned in the U.K. and Canada.

Potassium Bromate

Zaro’s Bakery located in Grand Central Station Black and White Cookies Warren Eisenberg Shutterstock
image credit: Warren Eisenberg/Shutterstock

As it is used in the U.S. to strengthen dough and improve bread rise, potassium bromate is considered carcinogenic and banned in the EU, Canada, and China. Many health-conscious bakeries now advertise their products as free of this additive.

BHA and BHT

Friends women laughing chewing gum sunglasses travel fun young Ground Picture Shutterstock
image credit: Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene are preservatives found in many U.S. foods including cereals, chewing gum, and potato chips. These chemicals are banned in parts of the European Union and Japan because of their potential cancer-causing properties.

Chlorpyrifos

Tractor spraying pesticides farming garden outdoor agriculture Fotokostic Shutterstock
image credit: Fotokostic/Shutterstock

This pesticide is widely used on crops in the U.S. but has been banned in the European Union due to concerns about its impact on child development and wildlife. Organic produce does not use chlorpyrifos, offering a safer alternative for consumers. Always washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly can also reduce exposure.

Atrazine

Farm with silo field barn crops BartTa Shutterstock
image credit: BartTa/Shutterstock

Allowed in the U.S. as a herbicide on crops like corn, atrazine has been banned in the European Union because it can contaminate water supplies and disrupt hormone activity in wildlife. To avoid this, consumers can buy organic corn, which is grown without synthetic herbicides.

Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs)

Strawberry Garden Plant Berries Bigc Studio Shutterstock
image credit: Bigc Studio/Shutterstock

While GMOs are widespread in the U.S. food supply, many countries, including much of the E.U., require labeling or ban their sale entirely due to health and environmental concerns. Consumers seeking to avoid GMOs can look for non-GMO or organic foods.

Carrageenan

Charcuterie board with prosciutto, capicola and other italian deli cured meat Igor Dutina Shutterstock
image credit: Igor Dutina/Shutterstock

Carrageenan is found in a wide range of U.S. products like dairy alternatives and deli meats for its thickening properties, and it has raised concerns about its inflammatory and gastrointestinal side effects. It is under scrutiny or restricted in use in the E.U. Those with digestive sensitivities might want to avoid products containing this additive.

Arsenic in Chicken Feed

Rural Farm Chickens Moonborne Shutterstock
image credit: Moonborne/Shutterstock

The U.S. still allows arsenic-based drugs in poultry feed to promote growth and improve feeding efficiency, a practice banned in the European Union. Prolonged exposure to arsenic can lead to serious health issues. Consumers can choose organic or arsenic-free chicken to avoid these risks.

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

Aspartamine sweetener food on tea spoon John B Hewitt Shutterstock
image credit: John B Hewitt/Shutterstock

Used extensively in U.S. processed foods and sodas as a sweetener, HFCS is linked to obesity and diabetes and is less common or banned in other countries. Health-conscious individuals can avoid HFCS by opting for products sweetened with natural sugars.

Neonicotinoid Pesticides

Cicada Killer Wasp hornet bee insect bug Elliotte Rusty Harold Shutterstock
image credit: ElliotteRustyHarold/Shutterstock

These widely used pesticides in the U.S. are linked to bee colony collapse disorder and are banned or restricted in the European Union to protect pollinator populations. Consumers can support bee health by choosing organic products.

Glycyrrhizin in Licorice

Sick stomach pain medical Photoroyalty Shutterstock
image credit: Photoroyalty/Shutterstock

In the U.S., black licorice can contain high levels of glycyrrhizin, which can cause potassium levels in the body to fall, leading to abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and even congestive heart failure. Several countries in Europe limit the concentration of glycyrrhizin in food products. Consumers should consume licorice moderately and be aware of the risks.

Titanium Dioxide

Woman dessert eating chocolate sweets comfort Antonio Guillem Shutterstock
image credit: Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock

Often used in the U.S. to whiten products like candy, chocolate, and baked goods, titanium dioxide has been classified as a possible human carcinogen and is banned in food in the European Union.

Tartrazine (Yellow No. 5)

Capri Sun fruit drinks juice box in cooler snacks kids food The Image Party Shutterstock
image credit: The Image Party/Shutterstock

This common artificial coloring found in U.S. candies, beverages, and even cosmetics is associated with hyperactivity in children and is banned in Norway and Austria. Parents might want to choose products free from artificial colors, particularly for children sensitive to additives.

Phthalates in Food Packaging

Woman Grocery Shopping Salad Healthy Drazen Zigic Shutterstock
image credit: Drazen-Zigic/Shutterstock

Phthalates, which can leach into food from packaging and are linked to hormonal disruptions, are banned from food contact materials in the E.U. In the U.S., consumers concerned about exposure can look for phthalate-free labels on packaging, particularly for fatty foods that can absorb higher amounts of phthalates.

Quinoxaline

Red rib eye steak meat butcher shop beef RecCameraStock Shutterstock
image credit: RecCameraStock/Shutterstock

Used as a growth enhancer in livestock in the U.S., this substance has been banned in the European Union due to potential health risks to humans consuming the meat. Shoppers might consider buying meat from animals raised without growth enhancers for a healthier alternative.

Sodium Aluminum Phosphate

Cheese board charcuterie grapes gkrphoto shutterstock
image credit: gkrphoto/Shutterstock

Commonly used in American cheese products and baked goods as an emulsifier and leavening agent, sodium aluminum phosphate has been linked to concerns over neurological effects and is restricted in Europe.

Alimentarius

Grocery shopping food cart Prostock studio Shutterstock
image credit: Prostock studio/Shutterstock

Alimentarius is used in some processed foods in the U.S. to enhance flavor and preserve freshness, but due to potential health risks, it is restricted in other countries. Opting for foods with natural preservatives can be a healthier choice.

Total
0
Shares
35 comments
  1. Spielern aus Österreich erhalten bei Wunderwins einen Willkommensbonus.
    Dieser kleine Makel soll jedoch das Gesamtangebot des Wunderwins Casinos an animierten Tischspielen keineswegs schmälern. Das bedeutet,
    dass die Webseite von den Spielern mit einer Browserapp geöffnet
    werden muss, um mit einem Mobilgerät spielen zu können. Die
    Einzahlungsboni werden dem Spielerkonto sofort gutgeschrieben, sobald eine qualifizierte
    Einzahlung getätigt wurde.
    😄 Ich habe bemerkt, dass diese Freispiele oft an bestimmte
    Spielautomaten gebunden sind, was eine gute Gelegenheit ist, neue Favoriten zu entdecken. Ein weiteres Highlight sind
    die regelmäßigen Freispiele. Man bekommt nicht nur größere Einzahlungsboni,
    sondern auch Zugang zu speziellen Turnieren und Events.
    Und wenn es um die VIP-Programme von Wunderwins
    geht, gibt es einiges zu sagen.
    Unser großzügiges Willkommenspaket ist ein zusätzlicher Bonus und bietet
    1.650 € + 300 Freispiele. Also, schnappen Sie sich Ihr Lieblingsgetränk, machen Sie es sich bequem und lassen Sie uns spielen! Oh,
    und haben wir erwähnt, dass du schon ab 20 € spielen kannst?

    References:
    https://online-spielhallen.de/hitnspin-promo-code-2025-bester-bonus-hier-sichern/

  2. Jede neue Generation von Automaten ging mit technischen Verbesserung einher”, weiß die Spielbankleitung. Vor zwei Jahren wurde es von der Gauselmann Unternehmensgruppe übernommen und wird seither unter dem Dach der lachenden MERKUR Sonne geführt. „Die Auswahl an Slot Machines wurde mit der Zeit immer größer und die gebotenen Spiele facettenreicher. Neue Poker- oder Black-Jack-Varianten sind bei uns genauso angesagt wie die High-Tech-Spielautomaten”,
    berichten Joachim Pollok und Spielbankdirektorin Beatrix
    Pikus. Beim Thema Spielautomaten kann das Casino schon fast traditionell punkten, war es doch
    schon immer am Puls der Zeit und weit vorne bei den technischen Möglichkeiten. „Auch in den vergangenen Jahren haben wir unser Angebot kontinuierlich weiterentwickelt.
    Aber die Neuausrichtung beschränkte sich nicht nur auf den Standort.

    ID des Eintrages Casinoonline.de ist Teil der #1 Online Casino Authority®, dem weltweit größten Casino-Affiliate-Netzwerk.

    Jakob schreibt seit 2015 für CasinoOnline.de. An der Diamond
    Bar können Sie während Ihres Aufenthalts ausgefallene Drinks und köstliche Snacks genießen.

    References:
    https://online-spielhallen.de/vinyl-casino-erfahrungen-mein-ausfuhrlicher-bericht-nach-10-jahren-spielpraxis/

  3. The platform complies with regulatory standards and offers secure payment methods, including options tailored for Australian players.
    Many pokies and specialty games support practice mode once you’re
    logged in, letting you test things out risk-free. Newcomers to the gambling platform need to make
    a minimum deposit of 20 Australian dollars to activate
    the casino welcome bonus. With direct access to pokies featuring high RTP and frequent wins, the platform supports short-term fun and long-term value across every session. This feature-rich
    experience lets users complete in-casino missions, earn points, and
    redeem exclusive bonuses. This function is not hidden or anonymized,
    making it possible for all players to observe how often payouts occur, on which games,
    and at what value thresholds.
    Demo versions are available for most pokies, letting new players
    test gameplay before staking real AUD. This means a
    stable catalogue of pokies, jackpots, and table games, all optimised
    for mobile play. But the highlight for many Australians is
    the ozwin casino no deposit bonus, which has become something of a calling card
    for the brand. It’s a small detail, but it adds to the overall entertainment value, ensuring that ozwin casino login becomes part of a fun routine.
    With its RTG-powered pokies, friendly bonuses, and smooth mobile play, it has carved out a solid reputation since its launch.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/best-live-casinos-in-australia-2025-guide/

  4. With over 50 top gaming providers like Gamomat and Novomatic, RocketPlay offers a diverse and exciting gaming experience for Australian players.
    The platform web-based app functionality allows
    players to install the casino directly on their device home screen, providing instant
    entry to games and features on the go. These offers, along with weekly free spins and other reload deals, create a rewarding ecosystem that continually values and supports active players.
    This offer is designed to give players a substantial starting balance, allowing them to explore a wide selection of pokies and other casino games with added confidence and extended playtime.

    RocketPlay casino play online boasts a rich
    and diverse game library that offers something for every type of player.
    RocketPlay has established itself as a trusted and entertaining online casino platform
    specifically suiting Australian players.
    No-deposit offers are rare and subject to regional rules. Higher tiers unlock cashback, free spins,
    daily deposit protection and VIP managers. If verification is taking long, contact support via live chat for an update.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/betmgm-your-ultimate-online-casino-experience/

  5. Limits can change with account history, and certain providers may vary by
    location. Response times are typically minutes on chat and within hours by email, with transcripts available for records.
    Push‑style reminders are opt‑in, and bonus cards are readable
    on smaller screens. The interface is gesture‑friendly, with large tiles, persistent
    filters and one‑tap access to recent games.
    Always check the promo card for eligibility, min deposit (£20),
    game weighting and max bet during wagering.
    Skycrown online casino 2025 © Stratnova Holdings S.A., 28 Oktovriou 243, Floor 5, Office 504, Limassol, Cyprus (HE387650) Just sign up, deposit, and let the games do the talking.
    It’s perfect for pokies fans, crypto users, and live
    casino grinders.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/5_types-of-casino-bonuses-in-new_zealand_rewrite_1/

  6. Adjoining the lower level living room is
    a large outdoor terrace with an undercover dining area that overlooks the magnificent
    infinity pool and Perth city skyline. QT Perth is a luxurious, designer,
    urban hotel in the centre of Perth City, ideal for those who love to shop, dine and
    indulge. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre,
    The Westin Perth is in a prime location in the heart
    of Perth, ideally located 200 metres from Perth Concert Hall
    and 300 metres from the… Situated in Perth, 600 metres from Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Nightcap at Belgian Beer Cafe offers accommodation with a bar.
    Conveniently located just minutes from Perth Airport’s Domestic Terminal and 15 minutes’
    drive from Perth CBD (Central Business District), ibis Budget Perth Airport offers free WiFi throughout the…

    Situated within the famous Crown Perth complex, the centrally located 4.5-star Crown Promenade
    Perth offers modern, comfortable rooms.
    What is my user ID for login? In the new e-Filing portal, the captcha has been removed to ensure hassle free login. You can choose from multiple options such as bank account EVC,
    demat account EVC and DSC to provide an extra step of authentication while logging
    in. Do all banks provide Net Banking facility to
    login to the e-Filing account?

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/best-live-casinos-in-australia-2025-guide/

  7. Great! We are all agreed London could use a laugh. The London Prat operates on a principle of satirical conservation of energy. It understands that the most potent ridicule often requires the least exertion from the writer, transferring the burden of revelation onto the impeccable logic of the setup. The site’s archetypal piece presents a premise—a government initiative, a corporate rebrand, a celebrity’s philanthropic venture—in its own authentic, self-important language, and then simply allows that premise to unfold according to its own stated rules. The comedy is not injected; it is excavated. It is the sound of a grandiose idea collapsing under the weight of its own internal contradictions, with the writer serving not as a demolition expert with dynamite, but as a structural engineer who has merely pointed out the fatal flaw in the blueprints. This elegant, efficient method produces a humor that feels inevitable and earned, rather than manufactured or forced.

  8. The Thames Barrier is our silent, heroic guardian against the apocalypse, but its day-to-day role is managing the sky’s plumbing. When a “spring tide” coincides with a “low pressure system over the North Sea,” the Barrier closes, not with a dramatic clang, but with the bureaucratic efficiency of a flood defence that does this several times a year. It’s a reminder that London is fundamentally a marsh, kept dry by Victorian engineering and constant vigilance. We live below sea level, protected by a giant metal gate. The weather isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a potential existential threat that we’ve boxed in with concrete and ingenuity, which is a very London solution. See more at London’s funniest URL — Prat.UK.

  9. Great! We are all agreed London could use a laugh. The London Prat’s dominance is secured by its exploitation of the credibility gap. It operates in the chasm between the solemn, self-important presentation of power and the shambolic, often venal reality of its execution. The site’s method is to adopt the former tone—the grave, bureaucratic, consultative voice of authority—and use it to describe the latter reality with forensic detail. This creates a sustained, crushing irony. The wider the gap between tone and content, the more potent the satire. A piece about a disastrously over-budget, under-specified public IT system will be written as a glowing “Case Study in Agile Public-Private Partnership Delivery,” citing fictional metrics of success while the subtext screams of catastrophic waste. The humor is born from this friction, the grinding of lofty language against the rocks of grim fact.

  10. The Delhi chemist is a master of context. They operate within a city that is the nation’s political heart, a major medical tourism hub, and a sprawling residential capital. This means they must be prepared for anything. One moment they might be supplying specialized post-operative care kits for patients from neighbouring states, the next they’re providing basic antacids to a stressed office worker in Connaught Place. They are adept at handling the bureaucratic paperwork that sometimes accompanies insurance or government scheme claims. Their shops are often repositories of pragmatic knowledge, knowing which hospitals have which specialities and the quickest routes to get there. In a city known for its intensity, a good Delhi pharmacy provides a moment of order and competence, a place where a health problem meets a practical solution without unnecessary drama. — https://genieknows.in/

  11. You’ve created a wonderful sense of community among readers. We’re all in on the same joke, sharing a collective sigh of amused recognition. It’s a lovely thing to be part of, even just as a reader.

  12. Ultimately, The London Prat wins because it caters to a more refined palate—the palate of the connoisseur of failure. It understands that the cheap sugar-rush of a simple pun or a blunt insult is less satisfying than the complex, aged bitterness of a perfectly executed conceit. It is the difference between a shot of novelty vodka and a meticulously crafted negroni. The other sites quench a thirst; PRAT.UK defines a taste. It doesn’t chase the loudest laugh, but the most knowing nod. It builds a community not around shared outrage, but around shared discernment. In a digital landscape screaming for attention, it has the confidence to whisper, knowing that those who lean in to listen will be rewarded with the purest, most intelligent, and most enduring form of comic truth available.

  13. The London Prat has mastered a form of satire by immersion, creating a complete and consistent environment where the reader is not merely told a joke but is invited to inhabit a perspective. This perspective is one of serene, all-encompassing understanding—the understanding that the world is a complex system operating on faulty code, and the only appropriate response is to appreciate the elegance of its glitches. Where a site like The Daily Mash offers a snapshot of farce, PRAT.UK offers a living, breathing simulation of it. The reader doesn’t observe the satire from the outside; they are placed within its logical framework, compelled to navigate its corridors of power, read its memos, and attend its interminable virtual meetings. This deep immersion makes the critique inescapable and the comedy deeply satisfying, as it engages the intellect on a level beyond passive consumption.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Previous Post
Young school kids eating lunch food children sandwich cafeteria Monkey Business Images Shutterstock

19 Hidden Sugar Bombs in Everyday Foods

Next Post
New York City Subway Penn Station in Manhattan Xackery Irving Shutterstock

22 US States with the Deadliest Public Transport Systems

Related Posts