MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Skittles, Ritz crackers, Wheat Thins, and Pop-Tarts.
They're popular snacks sold in almost every U.S. grocery store that you probably don't think twice about eating - but they’re banned in many countries.
You may have seen videos on social media about popular foods here in America that are regulated or outright illegal overseas.
From baguettes to brioche, Europe is famous for its bread.
But there's one ingredient missing that's in most loaves in the U.S.
"Potassium bromate makes bread rise," Ayanna Campbell, a nutrition behavior strategist and registered dietitian at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Desoto said. "It's been linked with respiratory issues and cancer as well."
Potassium bromate is a suspected carcinogen that was banned in most European countries in 1990, but is still legal in the U.S.
And that's not the only ingredient.
Snacks like Skittles , Pop-Tarts, Gatorade and Little Debbie Cakes must contain warning labels in the European Union because of dyes like Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Red 40, which are chemicals that have been linked to ADHD in children
Coffee Mate, Ritz crackers and Pillsbury biscuits are banned in Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Denmark, Norway and Iceland for trans fats -- which have been proven to increase the risk of heart disease.
The European Union also bans all products containing titanium dioxide – which is used to make food shiny and more colorful.
It's often found in products like candy and coffee creamer.
"The tricky part is there are lots of additives often in processed food," Campbell said.
So why do European countries seem to take a much more cautious approach to food safety while the FDA allows these chemicals?
Campbell says it's a tough question to answer.
"So you have the EPA and the FDA, she said. "I think some things are in place, but I think things kind of fly under the radar sometimes."
Campbell says many people don't think about what's going into their foods.
"I think the world has changed into this convenience laden everything," she said. "Many of the jobs that we work and just the lifestyles they have you on the go, go, go."
Campbell suggests trying your best to reduce the amount of processed foods you eat.
"Check the label," she said. "If there are a bunch of ingredients you can’t pronounce, that’s a good indicator that the item is highly processed. I think overall it can feel a little overwhelming. And so for the vast majority of us, I think the best thing we can do is try to make healthful decisions, eat as close to nature as possible."
And the simple rule she follows?
"It is a lot easier said than done. But fresh fruits and vegetables, oils, cooking at home, like getting back to being in the kitchen with you and your family," she said. "I think that'll solve a lot of issues."
Even though some of those food additives are banned in other countries, the FDA considers them safe. Chemicals are not banned only for safety reasons, sometimes economics, trade and politics are involved.
It's worth noting there are some food additives that are banned in the u-s that other countries consider safe.
Either way, nutritionists will tell you we'd all be better off eating fewer processed foods.
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FAQs
Coffee Mate, Ritz crackers and Pillsbury biscuits are banned in Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Denmark, Norway and Iceland for trans fats -- which have been proven to increase the risk of heart disease.
Why are some US foods banned in other countries? ›
Coffee Mate, Ritz crackers and Pillsbury biscuits are banned in Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Denmark, Norway and Iceland for trans fats -- which have been proven to increase the risk of heart disease.
Why are Ritz crackers banned in other countries? ›
As of 2003, every country that has banned Ritz crackers has done so because the ingredients include trans fats such as partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oils.
Why are Pillsbury biscuits banned in other countries? ›
The fluffy, buttery Pillsbury biscuits enjoyed by many Americans are outright banned in several European countries like Austria, Norway, and Denmark. The biscuits contain trans fats in the form of hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oils.
Why is US milk banned in other countries? ›
Milk in the United States, unless marked otherwise, is treated with either rBST or rBGH, which are artificial hormones that stimulate milk production. The FDA says there is no difference in the milk produced by cows treated with the hormone, but countries like Canada and those in the European Union ban it.
Why are instant mashed potatoes banned in Europe? ›
Instant Stuffing and Mashed Potatoes
Same goes for instant mashed potatoes, which often contain BHA to keep it from spoiling on the shelf. Consequently, these preservatives have been banned in the UK, Japan and other European nations.
What foods contain potassium bromate? ›
Potassium bromate is a powerful oxidizing agent commonly used as a food additive in baked goods, including breads, pastries, bagels, and crusts. It has been linked to various cancers, along with thyroid disease, kidney damage, gut irritation and reproductive abnormalities.
Why is Gatorade banned in Europe? ›
Skittles, Pop-Tarts, Gatorade and those yummy Little Debbie's products are banned in the European Union because contain dyes like yellow 5, yellow 6 and red 40. The EU banned these artificial colors after their scientific research indicated they could be harmful to health, especially to young children.
Why are pop-tarts banned? ›
Countries belonging to the E.U. have taken the step to ban specific food dyes in consumables sold due to health concerns stemming from these additives. Pop-Tarts contain artificial food dyes, such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, which, barring a handful of exceptions, aren't allowed in products sold there.
Why is Mountain Dew banned in 30 countries? ›
Mountain Dew & Fresca
BVO is banned in Japan and the European Union because it contains bromine, the element found in brominated flame retardants, which can build up in the body and potentially lead to memory loss, as well as skin and nerve problems. The grapefruit-flavored soda, Fresca, also contains the ingredient.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the average American diet consists of excess salt, saturated fat, refined grains, calories from solid fats and added sugars. Americans also eat fewer vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products and oils than recommended.
Why is American chicken banned in other countries? ›
If you didn't already know, since 1997, the European Union and the United Kingdom banned the importation of U.S. chickens. The issue? The standard practice in the U.S. poultry industry is to wash the carcasses in chlorinated water to kill bacteria.
What country has the cleanest milk? ›
Finnish milk is among the cleanest milk in the world thanks to healthy cows. The superior quality of Valio milk is ensured by expert milk producers supported by first-class advisory services. Valio milk ranks among the cleanest in the world, and we have zero tolerance for antibiotic residue in milk.
Why is American bread not allowed in Europe? ›
The European Union (EU) has strict food safety regulations that prohibit the use of specific additives and ingredients found in some American food products, including bread.
Where are Ritz crackers banned? ›
Coffee Mate, Ritz crackers and Pillsbury biscuits are banned in Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Denmark, Norway and Iceland for trans fats -- which have been proven to increase the risk of heart disease.
Why is American meat banned from Europe? ›
The beef hormone controversy or beef hormone dispute is a disagreement over the use of growth hormones in beef production. In 1989, the European Communities banned the import of meat that contained artificial beef growth hormones, although they were approved for use in the United States.
Why is American pork banned in other countries? ›
The U.K., China, Russia, Taiwan and the European Union ban or limit the use of ractopamine, a drug that promotes growth in pigs, cattle and turkeys. Ractopamine is linked with serious health and behavioral problems in animals, and human studies are limited but evoke concerns, according to the Center for Food Safety.
Why is mountain dew banned in 100 countries? ›
Why was Mountain Dew banned in some countries? Because it contains brominated vegetable oil (BVO), banned in many countries because it competes with iodine for receptor sites in the body.
