American grocery aisles are packed with foods that other countries won’t even allow on shelves. Data highlighted by a 2025 Forbes analysis shows that additives such as titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, and brominated vegetable oil are banned in Europe, yet still appear in popular American snacks and drinks.
The foods we eat in the U.S. often reflect convenience, taste, and mass production. However, certain ingredients and food products are so controversial or harmful that they’ve been banned in other countries.
While many of these foods remain everyday staples in American diets, they have been banned or heavily restricted elsewhere due to health concerns or environmental impact. Here are 12 American foods that are banned from store shelves in other countries.
Chicken Treated with Chlorine
Data from 2025 coverage of U.S. and European food rules shows that American poultry plants still use chlorine-based or similar chemical rinses on some chicken to reduce bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, while the European Union and the UK continue to ban imports of chicken treated this way over long-running concerns about production standards and chemical residues.
Instead, these countries focus on better hygiene and animal welfare practices during production to reduce contamination. This difference in food safety standards reflects a broader debate over global food safety regulations.
Genetically Modified (GM) Foods
More than 90% of U.S. corn, soy, and cotton acreage is now planted with genetically engineered varieties, making GM crops standard in American agriculture. At the same time, many European countries, including Germany and France, have chosen to ban or tightly restrict the cultivation of GMOs.
These countries cite health risks, environmental concerns, and a lack of long-term studies as reasons for avoiding GMOs. In contrast, the U.S. has been more accepting of genetically modified crops, despite ongoing debates over their safety.
Farmed Salmon
Farmed salmon now supplies 70% of the global salmon market, and open‑net farms can each release hundreds of tons of waste and chemicals into surrounding waters every year, prompting bans or moratoriums in places like Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego and parts of Canada and the U.S. West Coast.
Farmed salmon has been criticized for being more susceptible to diseases, such as sea lice, and for the use of antibiotics. Norway, Sweden, and other European nations have focused on improving sustainability and fish welfare, thereby reducing the prevalence of farmed salmon.
Ractopamine in Pork
Ractopamine is a growth‑promoting drug still used in U.S. pork production, yet it has been banned or strictly restricted in around 168 countries worldwide, including all European Union member states, China, and Russia, because of ongoing safety concerns.
Ractopamine has been linked to heart issues and other health risks in animals, leading to concerns about its safety for human consumption. Despite these concerns, ractopamine is still used in the U.S., where regulations are more lenient regarding its presence in meat products.
Soda with Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
Brominated vegetable oil was long used in some U.S. citrus sodas and sports drinks to keep flavor evenly mixed, but it has been banned as a food additive in the European Union, Japan, India, and other countries over concerns about bromine buildup, thyroid disruption, and possible neurological effects.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed the use of BVO in food products, though it has been banned in certain consumer products, such as flame retardants.
Olestra
Olestra is still permitted as a food additive in the U.S., but regulatory summaries note that it is not approved for use in Canada or in any of the 27 European Union member states, where authorities have cited risks of digestive upset and interference with absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K.
It has also been linked to reduced levels of important vitamins, including Vitamin A and E, raising concerns about its impact on long-term health. Many countries prefer to focus on reducing food fat content through more natural methods rather than using artificial substitutes like Olestra.
Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine)
Yellow No. 5, or tartrazine, is a common artificial food dye used in processed foods, candy, and soft drinks in the U.S. However, it’s banned or heavily restricted in many European countries, including Norway and Austria, due to concerns over its possible link to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions.
While the U.S. allows the use of this dye, it has sparked debate due to its potential health risks, particularly for sensitive populations. Other countries have opted for natural alternatives to synthetic dyes.
Also on MSN: 17 American Foods That Foreigners Can’t Stop Praising
Pink Slime in Beef
Data from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation explains that lean finely textured beef, or “pink slime,” is made from beef trimmings that are treated with ammonium hydroxide to kill bacteria, and notes that this product is not approved for use in ground beef in Canada
Many European countries, such as Germany and the UK, do not allow pink slime in beef products, citing concerns over the health effects of consuming ammonia-treated meat. In the U.S., pink slime is still used in fast food chains and processed meat products, despite growing public backlash.
Synthetic Food Colorings
Certain synthetic food colorings, including Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, are widely used in U.S. candies, cereals, and drinks, while countries such as Norway and Sweden have banned or sharply restricted some of these dyes over evidence linking them to hyperactivity and allergic reactions in children.
In contrast, the U.S. FDA has not banned these dyes, although they are often used in smaller quantities, and their safety remains a topic of discussion. Countries that ban these colorings often prefer to use natural plant-based dyes instead.
Chicken with Arsenic-Based Additives
Arsenic-based additives, used to promote growth and kill bacteria in chickens, are banned in the European Union due to concerns about their potential effects on human health. In the U.S., arsenic is still used in some poultry feed.
Despite bans in other countries, American companies argue that the levels of arsenic in meat are minimal and pose no significant risk. However, concerns remain about the long-term effects of consuming such additives.
Fast-Food Breakfast Sandwiches with Artificial Preservatives
Many fast-food breakfast sandwiches in the U.S. are loaded with artificial preservatives like BHA and BHT to prolong shelf life. However, these preservatives are banned in some European countries due to concerns over their potential to cause cancer.
Countries like France and Germany have strict food regulations that prioritize natural preservatives, making fast food chains in these countries avoid these chemicals. In contrast, American consumers still see them regularly in processed foods and fast food chains.
Processed Cheese (American Cheese)
American cheese, known for its smooth texture and meltability, is a popular staple in the U.S. However, in many European countries, it is considered too processed and is not allowed in certain food products.
Countries like France and Italy take pride in using only high-quality, unprocessed cheeses and often ban overly processed products, such as American cheese. The U.S. allows these cheeses to be marketed as “cheese” despite their lower nutritional value and higher content of preservatives.
Key Takeaway
The foods we consume in the U.S. may be subject to different standards than those in other countries. As the world becomes more aware of food safety and health concerns, many American foods are being restricted or banned abroad due to their potential impact on well-being.
For those concerned about what they eat, it may be worth considering why certain foods are banned in other parts of the world, and whether we should rethink some of our food choices.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
12 Laws And Rules About Food In Other Countries
12 Laws And Rules About Food In Other Countries
Food is more than just nourishment; it’s a reflection of culture, tradition, and, in many cases, the law. Around the world, various countries have established distinct food regulations that may surprise travelers and food enthusiasts alike.
These laws reveal how deeply societies value what ends up on their plates. Here are 12 fascinating food laws and rules from around the globe that show just how diverse and sometimes unexpected our relationship with food can be.
