10 Food Ingredients That Are Banned In Other Countries But Still Available in US Foods

We all generally before buying food items do not pay much attention to the intergradient they contain. While some ingredients are essential, some of them are added just to add taste or colour to the food. Mentioned below is a list of 10 food ingredients that are banned in other countries of the world but are still available in US foods.

1. Butylated hydroxyanisole and Butylated hydroxytoluene
Both the above mentioned ingredients are used as preservatives in many chips and cereals available in US supermarkets. These ingredients have been shown to increase the risk on cancer in tests conducted on animals by US toxicology programme. Both BHA and BHT are not allowed in countries like Australia, Canada, Japan and the entire Europe.

2. Azodicarbonamide
Azodicarbonamide is used in white breads and burger buns to improve their texture. It is banned in countries like UK, Australia and other European countries because it interferes with the respiratory system of human being which may lead to Asthma and allergic reaction. In Singapore using this ingredient may lead to imprisonment of 15 years or fine up to $500000.

3. Recombinant Bovine growth hormone
It is a hormone injection that is given to cows in the US to increase their milk production. It is banned in countries like Germany, France, Italy, Canada etc. As per American cancer society cows that are given this hormone become more likely to get udder infection to avoid which more antibiotics are given to them. This increased use of antibiotics may lead to severe health problems and milk containing this ingredient should be avoided.

4. Potassium bromate
Potassium Bromate is added to breads in US to avoid the time involved in baking and saves money to bakery owners. Using this ingredient may lead to cancer in thyroids, kidneys and body parts. That is why it is banned in countries like Canada, Peru, Nigeria, Brazil etc. US FDA hasn’t banned it however does regulate its proper labelling.

5. Olestra
This Ingredient is added to foods to make them fat free. It is banned in countries like the UK and Canada because it may lead to cramps and uncontrollable diarrhea. It also takes away the body;s ability to absorb healthy nutrients.

6. GM Canola oil
According to NPR, around 90% of canola oil produced in US is genetically modified which is illegal in Europe. Farmers use a lot of pesticides in order to produce this oil. Genetically modified canola oil takes away the chemistry of this fatty acid in a negative way.

7. GM corn
In a study conducted on pigs it was found that the pigs who were given genetically modified corn and soy had frequent stomach inflammation and uterus enlargement. Manufacturers in the US are not legally obliged to label there products as GM however even its production is banned in countries like France, Greece and Algeria.

8. Blue dye no. 1
Blue dye no 1 which is also known as brilliant blue is banned in countries like Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany because it can lead to hyperactivity, aggressiveness, irritability and learning problems in children. It is often found in ice creams, cereals, packet soups and icings to provide them their beautiful colour. If you find this in the ingredient list, just move on.

9. Yellow no. 6
Yellow no. 6 also known as sunset yellow Is the third most widely used colouring ingredient used in foods like macaroni, waffles etc. This colouring agent is associated with tumours in adrenal glands and kidneys. Using turmeric instead of this additive is a good idea. It is banned in Finland and Norway because of these health hazards.

10. GM soybeans
Genetically modified soybeans are banned in Austria, Hungary, Greece, Bulgaria etc. Studies conducted on animals found that soybeans may lead to allergies, sterility and birth defects. It is used in foods like energy bars, breads, deli meats etc which are freely sold in US supermarkets.

Source- http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/1007800-11-banned-food-ingredients-still-allowed-us/#slide-9
Source- http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/07/10/banned-foods.aspx