The United States has strict regulations governing food safety and public health. While many foods are enjoyed around the world, some are banned in the U.S. for various reasons, including health concerns and safety violations. Food regulations can be surprising, and what is considered a delicacy in one part of the world might be banned in another. Understanding these bans helps highlight the complexities of food safety and cultural perceptions. As consumers, it’s essential to stay informed about what we eat and why certain foods may be restricted. Here are ten foods that you might be surprised to learn are prohibited in the U.S.
Haggis
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s heart, liver, lungs, and oatmeal. The U.S. bans haggis because it includes sheep’s lung, which the USDA considers unsafe for human consumption. The risk of disease transmission and the lack of safety standards for offal are major concerns.

Raw Milk
Raw milk, or milk that hasn’t been pasteurized, is illegal to sell across state lines in the U.S. This prohibition is due to the potential presence of harmful pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. While some states allow the sale of raw milk within their borders, the risks associated with unpasteurized dairy remain a public health concern.

Sassafras Oil
Sassafras oil is banned in food products due to its content of safrole, a compound linked to liver damage and cancer in animal studies. The FDA prohibits the use of sassafras oil in food, though it can still be found in some cosmetics and soaps.

Casu Marzu
Casu Marzu is a traditional Sardinian cheese famous for containing live insect larvae. The FDA prohibits its importation due to health risks associated with consuming live larvae, which can cause gastrointestinal issues. While it’s a delicacy in Italy, the U.S. prioritizes food safety over culinary tradition.

Kinder Eggs
Kinder Surprise Eggs, a popular chocolate treat with a toy inside, are banned in the U.S. because of regulations against embedding non-food items within food products. The FDA considers the potential choking hazard too great, leading to the ban of this beloved candy.

Fugu
Fugu, or pufferfish, is a Japanese delicacy that can be deadly if not prepared properly. It contains tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin. Only licensed chefs can serve fugu in Japan, but the U.S. has banned its import due to the extreme health risks associated with improper preparation.

Unpasteurized Juices
Unpasteurized juices, such as fresh apple cider, can harbor dangerous bacteria. The FDA mandates that all commercially sold juices must be pasteurized or treated to eliminate pathogens, making unpasteurized options illegal for commercial sale due to the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Horse Meat
Although horse meat is consumed in several countries, its sale is largely banned in the U.S. due to cultural attitudes and the lack of a regulatory framework for horse slaughter. The Humane Society and other organizations have also raised ethical concerns about the treatment of horses.

Certain Artificial Food Dyes
While not outright banned, certain artificial food dyes, such as Red 40 and Yellow 5, face heavy scrutiny in the U.S. Some of these dyes are banned in Europe due to potential links to hyperactivity in children and other health issues. As a result, some manufacturers have opted to remove them in favor of natural alternatives.

Marmite (Certain Varieties)
Marmite, a yeast extract spread, is not banned, but some varieties containing added vitamins or additives may face restrictions. Specifically, products with certain ingredients deemed unsafe by the FDA can be prevented from being imported. This can lead to confusion for fans of the spread, as only specific formulations are available.
