10 Banned Foods Americans Should Stop Eating

In the United States, the regulation of food products, including the prohibition of certain items, is primarily managed by two key agencies: the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). These agencies play an essential role in maintaining the safety and quality of our food supply.

The FDA, founded in 1906, oversees a variety of areas including food safety, tobacco products, dietary supplements, and both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Alternatively, the USDA focuses on ensuring the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products, among other duties. Together, their efforts are vital in determining which foods are deemed unsafe and subsequently banned in the US for public health reasons.

While we've previously looked into the top 5 foods banned in Europe, now it’s time to explore the top 10 foods banned in the US and the reasons behind their prohibition.

1. Unpasteurized Milk  

Unpasteurized milk, commonly referred to as raw milk, poses considerable health risks owing to its capacity to contain harmful bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raw dairy products are 840 times more likely to result in foodborne illnesses than their pasteurized counterparts. As a result, the sale of unpasteurized milk is prohibited in 21 states, with stringent regulations imposed in several others.

2. Kinder Surprise Chocolate Eggs  

While Kinder chocolate enjoys widespread popularity in Europe, Kinder Surprise eggs have encountered legal challenges in the United States. Their prohibition stems from the inclusion of non-edible components, which present a potential hazard, especially for children. According to the stipulations of the 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Kinder Surprise eggs are deemed "adulterated food," making their importation and sale unlawful. In light of this, a revised variant known as Kinder Joy has been launched, complying with FDA regulations.

3. Sea turtles

 are classified as an endangered species and continue to be legally hunted in 42 countries and territories globally, with the United States not included in this list. Traditionally, they were utilized in various dishes, such as turtle soup; however, their endangered status has led to a decrease in the popularity of these culinary traditions. According to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the importation of sea turtles into the United States is prohibited, regardless of whether it is for consumption or any other use.

4. Shark Fins  

In the United States, the use of shark fins, which are predominantly featured in soups and regarded as a delicacy in China, has sparked significant debate. The primary issue at hand is the practice of finning, wherein the fins are severed from sharks, which are subsequently released back into the ocean, frequently still alive but incapable of survival. This cruel practice has resulted in shark fins being classified as one of several food items prohibited in the US following the Senate's approval of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act in December 2022.

5. Sassafras Oil  

Historically utilized in the production of root beer, sassafras oil was prohibited by the FDA in 1960 because its primary component, safrole, is considered a potential carcinogen. Additionally, safrole serves as a precursor in the manufacturing of certain psychoactive substances. It is essential to highlight that this prohibition does not apply to natural occurrences of sassafras oil in other substances, such as cinnamon and basil.

6. Japanese Puffer Fish  

The puffer fish, regarded as a delicacy in Japan's upscale culinary offerings, poses a significant risk if not prepared correctly. Since 1980, this fish has been included on the FDA's Automatic Detention List. The agency has highlighted that it contains tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin, both of which are neurotoxins recognized as being "more lethal than cyanide." As a result, this dish is rarely available in the United States.

7. Four Loko

 which was introduced in 2005, rapidly gained infamy for its unique blend of alcohol and caffeine, leading to its moniker “blackout in a can” among college students. Its association with numerous hospitalizations among young individuals prompted various state-level prohibitions, beginning with Massachusetts in 2010. Additionally, the FDA raised concerns regarding the sale of caffeinated alcoholic drinks. In 2014, Four Loko made the decision to eliminate caffeine from its recipe, and the revised, non-caffeinated variant continues to be sold across the country.

8. Beluga Caviar  

Beluga caviar, renowned for its opulence, was prohibited in the United States in 2005 as a result of its high demand, which contributed to the overexploitation of beluga sturgeon. This significant interest in the delicacy led to the species being classified as protected, rendering the sale of their caviar illegal. Sturgeon AquaFarms, a prominent caviar producer and the only legal breeder of beluga sturgeon in the country, operates under a special agreement with the government. The company contributes fertilized beluga eggs to support the restoration of the species in their natural habitat.

9. Ackee

 a fruit indigenous to South Africa and widely enjoyed in various Caribbean countries, contains hypoglycin A, a toxin that the FDA has classified as hazardous when ingested in significant quantities. As a result, fresh ackee is not sold in supermarkets; however, it can be obtained in canned or processed forms from manufacturers listed on the FDA's "green list" of approved producers.

 

10. Haggis 

Since 1971, haggis, recognized as Scotland's national dish, has been prohibited in the United States. This traditional dish is prepared from the heart, liver, and lungs of sheep, mixed with spices and oatmeal, and is typically encased in a sheep's stomach or a synthetic alternative. The ban was instituted following a USDA decision that deemed the use of livestock lungs for human consumption unacceptable. Nevertheless, the Scottish government holds a hopeful outlook that the prohibition may one day be rescinded, enabling Americans to legally savor this iconic Scottish delicacy.