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Banned Foods in the U.S. and Why They’re Off-Limits

LoveFood, a website centered on food and lifestyle, has put together a list of such surprising foods and beverages that have encountered restrictions or bans over the years. The list…

Woman holidng fork in one hand covering mouth with other, shocked face, banned foods concept.
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LoveFood, a website centered on food and lifestyle, has put together a list of such surprising foods and beverages that have encountered restrictions or bans over the years. The list includes banned foods from across the world. This includes items like kebabs, ketchup, poppy seeds, and popcorn.

Banned Foods, from raw almonds to rotten cheese.

Their list includes foods that are not allowed in the United States, such as raw almonds. In 2007, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) implemented a regulation mandating the pasteurization of all almonds in response to salmonella outbreaks. Additionally, according to their list, raw or unpasteurized milk is banned in more than 20 states. The list also mentions casu marzu, commonly known as "rotten cheese," which is prohibited in both the European Union and the U.S. Casu marzu is a traditional Sardinian delicacy made by introducing larvae into Pecorino cheese.

Interestingly, the list features a chocolate egg, but the ban is not related to the food itself. Kinder Surprise Eggs are banned in the U.S. due to concerns regarding the toy concealed inside the chocolate egg, which is considered a safety hazard. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies a non-edible object enclosed within an edible one as a choking risk. There is an alternative product, Kinder Joy, which comprises two separately packaged halves. One contains chocolate and the other contains the toy.

Long -term food bans.

For an authentic taste of Scotland's national dish haggis, you may be better off visiting the country itself. Although there are numerous variations, authentic haggis typically comprises minced pluck. This includes the liver, lungs, and heart of a sheep, blended with oats, onions, suet, salt, pepper, and various spices. The mixture is traditionally cooked inside the animal's stomach. It's worth mentioning that haggis has been banned in the United States for nearly fifty years due to the USDA deeming sheep lungs unsuitable for human consumption.

In January, a medical doctor and author submitted a petition to the USDA, urging the agency to revoke the long-standing prohibition. The petition filed by Jonathan Reisman asserts that the ban lacks scientific basis.

Take a look at some of the other foods that made their list here.

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.