12 Foods You May Not Know Are Banned in America: Surprising Items Banned in the US

When most people think of banned foods, they may imagine exotic ingredients or potentially dangerous substances. However, some of the items on the banned list in America may come as a surprise. From traditional Scottish dishes to tropical fruits, there are several foods that are not allowed in the US for various reasons, ranging from health and safety concerns to cultural sensitivities. In this article, we'll explore 30 of these banned foods and the reasons behind their restrictions.

When most people think of banned foods, they may imagine exotic ingredients or potentially dangerous substances. However, some of the items on the banned list in America may come as a surprise. From traditional Scottish dishes to tropical fruits, there are several foods that are not allowed in the US for various reasons, ranging from health and safety concerns to cultural sensitivities. In this article, we'll explore 30 of these banned foods and the reasons behind their restrictions.

Banned Meat and Seafood

Haggis

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made of sheep heart, liver, and lungs minced with onions, oatmeal, and spices. Despite its popularity in Scotland, haggis has been banned in the US since 1971 due to its main ingredient, sheep lung, which is considered inedible under USDA regulations.

Casu Marzu

Casu Marzu is a Sardinian cheese made from sheep's milk that is infested with live maggots. Although a delicacy in Sardinia, this cheese is banned in the US due to health and safety concerns surrounding the live maggots.

Fugu

Fugu, also known as pufferfish, is a delicacy in Japan that requires special preparation and licensing to ensure its toxic parts are removed. Despite its popularity, fugu is banned in the US due to its potential to cause serious illness or death if not properly prepared.

Banned Fruits and Vegetables

Ackee Fruit

Ackee fruit is a popular ingredient in Jamaican cuisine, but it is banned in the US due to its toxic properties. The unripe fruit and its seeds contain a toxic substance that can cause hypoglycemic shock, coma, or death if consumed.

Pitaya (Dragon Fruit)

Pitaya, also known as dragon fruit, is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America. Although widely available in other countries, pitaya is banned in the US due to concerns over its potential to spread invasive plant species.

Persimmons

There are two main types of persimmons, the astringent and non-astringent variety. While non-astringent persimmons are widely available in the US, the astringent variety is banned due to its high levels of tannins that can cause digestive issues.

Banned Dairy Products

Laphroaig Cheese

Laphroaig cheese is a Scottish cheese made from sheep's milk and flavored with the single malt whisky of the same name. Despite its popularity in Scotland, Laphroaig cheese is banned in the US due to the addition of alcohol, which is prohibited in dairy products.

Gjetost Cheese

Gjetost cheese is a traditional Norwegian cheese made from a blend of goat's and cow's milk, and flavored with caramel. Despite its popularity in Norway, Gjetost cheese is banned in the US due to its unique flavor, which some consider to be unpalatable.

Roquefort Cheese

Roquefort cheese is a French blue cheese made from sheep's milk and aged in caves. Despite its popularity in France, Roquefort cheese is banned in the US due to concerns over its production process, which involves the use of mold that is not approved by the USDA.

Banned Sweets and Snacks

Kinder Eggs

Kinder Eggs are a popular European chocolate treat that consists of a chocolate egg with a toy inside. Despite their popularity, Kinder Eggs are banned in the US due to concerns over the potential choking hazard posed by the small toy inside.

Vin Brule

Vin Brule is a traditional Italian drink made from mulled wine and spices. Although popular during the holiday season in Italy, Vin Brule is banned in the US due to its high alcohol content, which exceeds the legal limit for non-alcoholic beverages.

Palm Oil

Palm oil is a widely used ingredient in many processed foods and snacks, but it has been banned in the US due to concerns over its environmental impact and the exploitation of workers in the palm oil industry.

Conclusion:

These are just a few of the many foods that are banned in the US for various reasons, from health and safety concerns to cultural sensitivities. While some of these banned items may seem surprising, it's important to understand the reasons behind their restrictions and to look for alternative ingredients and dishes that are both safe and delicious.