What Americans eat that is banned in other countries

April 24, 2014  12:49

Many Americans believe that the US food supply must have the highest standards anywhere.

The fact is, many of the things people eat in the U.S. have been banned in other countries because they are viewed as dangerous to health, Newsmax Health reported. Here’s a list of some of the most common:

1. Hormones in Milk

In 1993, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of bovine hormones in cows, which boosts milk production by about 10 percent. However, some cow hormones have been linked to breast, colon, and prostate cancers.

Where it’s banned: Australia, New Zealand, Israel, the European Union (EU), and Canada.

2. Preservatives BHA and BHT

Manufactured from petroleum, these waxy solids are added to foods to prevent spoilage.

Where it’s banned: The UK bans BHA from baby foods. BHA and BHT are banned completely in Japan and parts of the EU.

3. Olestra

Olestra is found in diet chips including Pringles Fat free, Ruffles Light, and Lays Wow. Studies show it blocks fat absorption. Along with unhealthy fats, olestra stops the body from taking in valuable vitamins and carotenoids. It can also cause stomach troubles.

Where it’s banned: The UK and Canada.

4. Potassium bromate

This flour-bulking agent strengthens dough, decreasing baking time and thereby reducing costs for baked goods. Potassium bromate has been linked to kidney and nervous system disorders. The International Agency for Research on Cancer lists it as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

Where it’s banned: Canada, China, and the EU.

5. Arsenic

As crazy as it seems, this notorious poison is permitted by the FDA to be used in poultry feed, where it acts as a growth promoter and enhances the color of the meat. Arsenic affects blood vessels in chickens and turkeys, causing them to appear pinker and therefore fresher.

Where it’s banned: The EU.

6. Certain artificial colors

Five artificial colors (red 40, blue 1, blue 2, yellow 5, and yellow) are either banned or require warning labels when used in other countries. The Center for Science in the Public Interest states that risks include hyperactivity in children, cancer (in animal studies), and allergic reactions. Until the 20th century, food coloring was obtained from natural sources. Today, most artificial colors are made from coal tar.

Where it’s banned: Norway and Austria.

7. Brominated vegetable oil

Brominated vegetable oil or BVO acts as an emulsifier in soda and sports drinks. Elevated bromide levels have been implicated in thyroid diseases.

Where it’s banned: In more than 100 countries.

8. Ractopamine

It is fed to pigs and beef cattle to quickly build muscle.

Where it’s banned: Europe, China, and Russia.

9. GMO foods

The vast majority of corn and soybeans grown in the U.S. are genetically modified, meaning the DNA in the plants has been changed in a lab. Genes from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals, or even humans are artificially inserted into the crops to make them more productive or less costly to grow.

Where it’s banned: The EU.

10. Farmed salmon

Factory-farmed salmon are given antibiotics and fed artificial coloring.

Where it’s banned: Australia and New Zealand.

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