20 Food Banned From US That Will Shock You.🫢😳

If you're in America, there's a good chance you can find food if you have the money. Nevertheless, it's not always the case. In America, some recognizable foods are forbidden. If you attempt to sell or import these foods, you risk having your goods seized by the government, paying fines, and in some cases even going to jail. Some of them are harmful to the consumer, some are prohibited for environmental protection, and some are downright shocking. They all share the same characteristic, however, which is that they won't be available for purchase anytime soon. But for many people, their favorite childhood memory is the first item on this list.

20. Kinder Surprise Chocolate Eggs These tasty treats, which are imported from Italy, combine the functions of a candy and a toy. A plastic egg similar to the ones found in Easter egg hunts is encased in a thick shell of milk chocolate. A mystery toy will be inside the egg when the delighted child eats the chocolate covering and cracks it open. Although it had risks, this made a lot of kids very happy. Authorities were concerned that the toy posed a choking risk because US regulations prohibit candies from containing any non-nutritive objects. Consequently, despite objections, the Kinder Egg was outlawed in America. The Ferrero company then produced a new Kinder Egg for American consumers without the plastic egg and toy. This subsequent entry was also a tasty treat, but it managed to conceal its danger much better.

19. Popular in Japan, konjac jelly cups resemble the jello cups you used to get in your lunch, but they are smaller and can be slurped all at once. It's well-liked for having a firmer consistency than most desserts made with gelatin and is made from a root, as well as for having a very low calorie count. They have a variety of flavors and frequently have coconut pieces mixed in. But there is a perilous side effect to the low calorie intake. Young children are at risk of choking because they take a long time to dissolve and are simple to swallow whole. Therefore, the vibrant snacks have been banned in the US since 2002 even though they are still a preferred snack abroad and konjac is still used in other applications, such as as a low-calorie alternative to noodles. You might be surprised to learn that the next item, which you most likely consumed this week, might be illegal.

18. Unpasteurized Milk Countless quarts of milk are sold each week, so it is clear that it is not against the law in the US. But almost all of the milk sold in the nation, and most definitely all of the milk at your neighborhood supermarket, has been pasteurized before sale in order to eliminate bacteria, increase shelf stability, and make it safer to consume. But some devotees insist that pasteurized milk loses both its natural flavor and many of its nutritional benefits. Whether it's true or not, unpasteurized milk has a 150-fold higher risk of making people sick than pasteurized milk. Because of this, it is prohibited in 21 states, and most of the other 29 have strict regulations on it. The next ingredient was once a staple, but it has a pleasant kick.

17. If you have heard of Sassafras, it was probably as a nostalgic candy flavor that your grandfather gave you. Although it was once much more prevalent, it is now primarily recognized as the dominant flavor in traditional root beer. There is a reason why artificial flavors are used in many root beers today—Sassafras oil is problematic. In addition to being used to create psychoactive drugs, it has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, kidney, and liver damage. The dangerous substance safrole is to blame for all of this, and although it has been outlawed since the 1960s, extracts from the sassafras plant's bark can still be sold if they are free of it. The following dish is famous in Jamaica even though it's illegal in the United States.

16. Ackee The national fruit of Jamaica, ackee has been compared to scrambled eggs in texture and has been described as a nutty fruit. As a result, it is frequently found as part of the breakfast dish ackee and saltfish. Despite being a staple in the island country, it can be dangerous if not used properly. Unripe fruit contains a lot of hypoglycin A, a toxin that prevents the body from lowering blood sugar and can result in hypoglycemia and dehydration. The FDA has prohibited the sale of raw fruit since 1973, but canned and frozen fruits are still available, albeit under strict regulation, giving Jamaican treat fans some hope. However, none of these foods can quickly take your life. For the following one, that is not accurate.

15. Fugu No, this fish is not prohibited because it can puff up and stab you with its spines. In the world of sushi, it's regarded as a delicacy, but only the masters of the sushi knife dare to serve it. This is due to the extremely lethal toxin known as tetrodotoxin, which is hidden in the skin and in some organs, as immortalized on an early episode of The Simpsons. If consumed in sufficient amounts, this neurotoxin can cause paralysis and even death, and one poor knife cut can contaminate the entire fish. That alone will deter most people. However, a lot of adventurous gourmets are willing to take the chance. Government, however, is not. Except for a small number of chefs who have received the appropriate training, the sale and consumption of fugu are prohibited in the US. However, some laws exist to protect the animals, not to safeguard us.

14. Horse Meat Despite the fact that horses aren't in danger of extinction, many Americans consider them to be beloved pets, so eating them seems rude. Even though using slaughterhouses to kill horses, importing, or selling the meat is illegal, so eating horse meat won't be simple. Even though horse meat is a popular delicacy in other nations, the US only recently renewed its ban in 2018, which is sure to please the nation's horse lovers. Even though they might promise otherwise if their horse finishes last in the derby. The next fish, however, discovered that it doesn't take much for a species to go extinct.

13. Wild Redfish Redfish, also known as red drum, was a common game fish in the American South and was generally regarded as a good fish to eat, but it wasn't the most in-demand fish until one chef changed that. The humble redfish was transformed into the hottest fish in town thanks to celebrity chef Paul Prudhomme, who is revered for his Cajun and Creole cuisine. Fishing was required, so. Intensive fishing, which quickly resulted in a sharp decline in population. The sale of any caught in federal waters is forbidden as it has been a protected game fish since 2007. Except for Mississippi, all states have outlawed redfish fishing, though some fish from farms are still available. The population is rapidly recovering, so it appears to have worked. This next treat is expensive for most people, but it is still in danger of going extinct.

12. Beluga Caviar One of the most expensive foods in the world is caviar, the salty eggs of the sturgeon. And few were more prized than the caviar from the Beluga sturgeon, which is found in the Caspian and Black seas. The eggs of this fish can sell for up to $200 per ounce and are prized for their delicate flavor. The fish was quickly on the verge of extinction due to the high demand. To aid in the recovery and repopulation of the species, the US joined other nations in banning the import of Beluga caviar in 2005. The species has persisted to the present day, even though there is still a black market for it; it is still in grave danger. But it's not the only seafood delicacy in danger.

11. Most conches are small, but some are among the most venomous creatures on earth. However, the Caribbean Sea's native Queen Conch is one of the biggest sea snails, and its meaty body makes it a delicacy in the seafood world. It is an endangered species because of its size, which makes it easier to catch. Although it is still a well-liked dish in Turks and Caicos, the US has attempted to lessen demand by outlawing its harvest in US federal waters. The Caribbean is always an option for devoted seafood lovers. Next up is a beloved ocean dweller that is also for sale.

10. Sea turtles Although most young children probably only think of the wise old sea turtle Crush from Finding Nemo, these reptiles are actually prized as delicacies in many cultures. Many species have become endangered as a result of this, including the Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, 35,000 turtles are caught and eaten annually in California alone. Individual turtle species are protected and it is forbidden to capture and sell them, but turtle meat as a whole is not prohibited. In fact, you might be able to buy turtle soup made from freshwater or land turtles at your neighborhood grocery store. The fact that we eat these next animals more often than they eat us might surprise you.

9. Although the majority of us have seen movies about killer sharks, the truth is that we pose a far greater threat to them than they do to us. A common Chinese soup is flavored with the gelatinous fins of large sharks, which are prized for their delicacy. Shark finning, which involves cutting off the sharks' fins and dumping them back into the water, is becoming more and more widely regarded as cruel, which has caused the shark population to decline. The act of shark finning has been completely outlawed in US waters since 2000, despite the fact that only twelve states have banned the sale of shark fins and the soup is still a popular (and pricey) dish. This next delicacy was removed from many menus due to the desire to preserve marine life.

8. Chilean Sea Bass It may be a visually unappealing fish, but all it needs is a little rebranding to become a seafood superstar. The Chilean Sea Bass, formerly known as the Patagonian Toothfish, was given the new name in an effort to make the meatier fish sound more appetizing. The FDA acted after the fish population in the wild was drastically reduced by the massive increase in fishing caused by increased demand. Although it is strictly controlled and only licensed boats are permitted to catch the fish in a certain number, it is still not entirely legal to catch this fish today. But this upcoming ban on animal welfare is the most divisive one to date.

7. This meaty treat, called foie gras, which is made from the heavily fattened livers of geese, is almost as expensive as Beluga caviar. The contentious part is the method used to make the geese fatter, known as gavage, which involves forcing food down their throats. Animal rights activists claim the process is cruel to animals and point to the birds' response, despite defenders' claims that geese lack a gag reflex and are unaffected. This prompted California to outlaw the product's sale, and numerous other cities, including Chicago and New York City, followed suit. The activists keep pressing their case, even though a national ban is not yet in the works. However, you might be surprised by some of the upcoming foods that are prohibited in the US.

6. Bushmeat This is more of a group of foods than a particular food. Large animals, such as giraffes and lions, are frequently hunted by trophy hunters in Africa. Typically, these hunts take place as part of authorized hunting operations overseen by local guides. While these thrill-seekers might be able to post pictures of their winnings on social media, they won't be able to bring their catch back home, much to the chagrin of animal lovers there. Due to safety concerns, US authorities refer to meat from African game hunts as "bushmeat." Customs officers will destroy any bushmeat they find and any items that may have come into contact with it. Some foods that are prohibited in the US can deliver a lethal punch in a tiny package.

5. If you've ever eaten an Apricot pit, you probably remember its slightly nutty, bitter flavor, which you might have compared to a peculiar almond. However, eating apricot pits is strongly advised against because they contain the deadly substance cyanide. It is shocking that some doctors were promoting this poison as a cancer treatment given that it can be toxic or even fatal in large doses. Laetrile, also known as Vitamin B17, is a contentious dietary supplement made from apricot pits that new-age pseudomedical activists promoted as a cancer treatment. Since it was outlawed in the US in 1980, poisonings have been linked to it, and it's possible that it contributed to Steve McQueen's untimely demise. Being poisonous hasn't always deterred people from eating or drinking, though.

4. There are many strong alcoholic beverages available, but few have the same potency as this vividly green spirit. As any fairy tale enthusiast will tell you, a green potion should be a dead giveaway that danger is nearby, but absinthe has a pleasant, if potent, anise flavor. The wormwood used to make it is what poses a threat and, to some, an allure. The chemical thujone, which can be toxic in high concentrations, is present in this wood. Even though the stories about absinthe being a strong psychoactive liquor that sent people insane may have been exaggerated, it was still illegal to import it into the US until 2007, when it was permitted as long as the amount of thujone was below a certain threshold. You might become satiated after reading these last three entries, though.

3. Haggis This traditional Scottish dish is a meaty pudding that has shocked many with its ingredients. It is a sausage made from onion, oatmeal, suet, and a variety of sheep organs, including the heart, liver, and lungs, which are ground up and then cooked inside a sheep's stomach. Despite being one of the most contentious foods out there, the majority of the ingredients are safe, with one exception. Because sheep's lungs are thought to be a potential source of respiratory diseases, they are not allowed to be sold or imported into the United States. Haggis is still available in the United States in a modified form made with ground lamb and frequently with liver and heart, with canned versions also available. Asking Scottish expats, however, will reveal that things aren't the same. The fifth and final entry is a shockingly primitive culinary delight from France.

2. The one-ounce Ortolan, a tiny songbird no bigger than a thumb, became one of the most infamous French opulent dishes. The birds were kept in covered cages, given access to excess grain to make them fat, and finally drowned in armagnac before being roasted. The customer would consume the bird whole, beginning with its feet, and spit out the bones. However, as the population shrank due to the tastes of the wealthy, France and the EU eventually outlawed the sale and import of this tiny bird. The US quickly followed, which means that this royal favorite snack has largely vanished into history and the population of Ortolan Buntings has increased. The only food on this list that might rebel, however, will surprise you.

1. Casu Martzu Unless you're a die-hard fan of Kraft singles, everyone knows that a good cheese needs a little funk. But Sardinian Casu Martzu cheese goes above and beyond in this process. It is a Pecorino cheese made from raw sheep's milk that is known as "the rotten cheese.". But fly larvae are a hidden component. It is intentionally sown with the larvae, which develop into maggots and start to eat through the cheese, softening it and ostensibly boosting fermentation. When the cheese is ready, the live, wriggling maggots are still inside of it. Diners frequently wear goggles while eating because the bugs will jump out of the cheese and into their faces. Although it is a cherished tradition in Sardinia, it is not surprising that it has been prohibited in the United States due to health concerns. Some food scientists even assert that it is possible for the larva to avoid digestion and infest the intestine with parasites. The Kraft singles may actually sound better now.