13 Everyday Foods ‘Banned’ in Europe That Are Unbelievably Sold Freely in the U.S.

Many everyday foods that Americans consume without a second thought are banned in Europe due to health concerns. The European Union (EU) has stricter food safety regulations, prohibiting additives, chemicals, and processing methods that pose risks to human health. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to allow these questionable ingredients in everything from cereals to soft drinks. If you’ve ever wondered why food tastes different when traveling abroad, it’s likely because some of the ingredients used in American products wouldn’t be legal in Europe. Here are 13 everyday foods banned in Europe but shockingly still sold freely in the U.S.

1. Farm-Raised Salmon (Artificially Dyed Pink)

In the U.S., most salmon sold in grocery stores is farm-raised and artificially dyed pink using synthetic astaxanthin, a chemical that is banned in Europe. Wild salmon naturally get their pink color from a diet rich in krill and shrimp, but farmed salmon lack this natural pigmentation. As a result, they are fed color-enhancing chemicals to make them appear more appealing.

Europe bans this practice due to concerns over synthetic astaxanthin’s impact on human health. Studies suggest that consuming fish treated with artificial dyes may have toxic effects on the body over time. Instead, European consumers primarily eat wild-caught salmon, which is naturally pink and free from harmful additives. In the U.S., farm-raised salmon remains a cheaper alternative, but at a potential cost to health. According to WebMD, farm-raised salmon contains higher levels of pollutants like PCBs, which are linked to health issues.

2. Brominated Vegetable Oil (Found in Citrus-Flavored Sodas)

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is a controversial additive used in citrus-flavored sodas like Mountain Dew and some sports drinks. It helps prevent flavor separation in beverages but contains bromine, a chemical also found in flame retardants. Long-term exposure to bromine has been linked to nerve damage, thyroid dysfunction, and organ toxicity.

The EU and several other countries have banned BVO due to these health concerns. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the FDA has moved to ban its use following multiple studies highlighting its potential health risks. According to Forbes, the FDA has proposed a rule to stop the use of BVO in beverages due to its harmful effects on the thyroid, liver, and heart.

3. Potassium Bromate (Found in Breads and Baked Goods)

Potassium bromate is a food additive used in the U.S. to strengthen dough and improve the rise of bread and baked goods. It is classified as a potential carcinogen, with studies linking it to kidney and thyroid tumors in animal studies. The EU, Canada, and many other countries have potassium Bromate (Found in Breads and Baked Goods)
Potassium bromate is a food additive used in the U.S. to strengthen dough and improve the rise of bread and baked goods. It is classified as a potential carcinogen, with studies linking it to kidney and thyroid tumors in animal studies. The EU, Canada, and many other countries have banned potassium bromate due to these risks.

In the U.S., potassium bromate is still legal and found in many commercial bread products, including white bread, pizza dough, and hamburger buns. Some manufacturers have started phasing it out, but it remains a common ingredient in cheaper, mass-produced baked goods. According to the Environmental Working Group, potassium bromate has been linked to cancer in animal studies, leading to its ban in several countries.

4. rBGH and rBST Growth Hormones (Used in Dairy Products)

Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) and recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) are synthetic hormones given to cows in the U.S. to increase milk production. These hormones have been linked to increased risks of breast, colon, and prostate cancer in humans. They also contribute to higher rates of infections in dairy cows, leading to increased antibiotic use.

The EU, Canada, and Japan have banned rBGH and rBST, citing both human health concerns and animal welfare issues. In the U.S., milk from hormone-treated cows is still widely available, though some brands voluntarily offer hormone-free options. According to the Center for Food Safety, the use of rBGH in dairy cows has significant health implications for both animals and humans, including increased antibiotic resistance. Consumers looking to avoid these hormones should opt for organic or “rBST-free” labeled dairy products.

5. Artificial Food Dyes (Found in Candies, Cereals, and Snacks)

Brightly colored foods in the U.S., such as candies, cereals, and snack foods, often contain artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. These synthetic dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and potential cancer risks. The EU requires warning labels on foods containing these dyes and has banned several, including Red 40, which is commonly found in U.S. products.

Instead of using artificial dyes, European food manufacturers often use natural alternatives like beet juice, turmeric, and paprika extract for coloring. Despite mounting health concerns, the U.S. continues to allow synthetic dyes in many processed foods. Consumers can reduce exposure by choosing natural or organic versions of colored foods.

6. Azodicarbonamide (Used in Bread and Fast Food Buns)

Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is a chemical used in bread products and fast food buns as a dough conditioner to improve texture. It is the same chemical used in making yoga mats and shoe soles, raising concerns about its effects on human health. The EU and many other countries have banned ADA, citing potential respiratory and cancer risks.

In the U.S., ADA is still found in many fast food and store-bought bread products. Subway famously removed it from its bread after public backlash, but other chains continue to use it. Checking ingredient labels and opting for fresh or organic bread can help consumers avoid this questionable additive.

7. Ractopamine (Used in Pork and Beef Production)

Ractopamine is a feed additive used to promote lean muscle growth in pigs and cattle. It has been linked to increased heart rates, behavioral changes, and muscle tremors in animals, raising concerns about its impact on humans. Over 160 countries, including the EU, China, and Russia, have banned ractopamine in livestock production.

Despite international bans, the U.S. still allows ractopamine in conventional meat production. American consumers looking to avoid it should choose organic or grass-fed meat, which is raised without growth-enhancing chemicals.

8. Chlorine-Washed Chicken

In the U.S., chickens are often washed in chlorine or other antimicrobial chemicals to kill bacteria after processing. This practice is banned in the EU due to concerns over its effectiveness and potential health risks. European food safety authorities argue that better farming and slaughtering practices should prevent contamination rather than relying on chemical washes.

While U.S. regulators claim chlorine-washed chicken is safe, concerns remain about its long-term health effects and potential exposure to harmful residues. Consumers who want to avoid this should opt for organic or pasture-raised chicken, which is processed without chlorine treatment.

9. BHA and BHT (Found in Cereals and Snack Foods)

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are synthetic preservatives used in cereals, chips, and snack foods to extend shelf life. Studies suggest they may be endocrine disruptors and carcinogens, leading the EU and Japan to ban them.

In the U.S., BHA and BHT are still widely used in packaged foods, despite health concerns. Consumers can avoid these preservatives by choosing organic or preservative-free snack options.

10. Propyl Paraben (Found in Processed Foods and Cosmetics)

Propylparaben is a preservative commonly used in processed foods and cosmetics to prevent bacterial growth. However, studies have linked propyl paraben to hormone disruption, particularly in estrogen activity, which can lead to reproductive problems and an increased risk of breast cancer. The EU has banned its use in food products, and many European countries have stricter regulations regarding its use in cosmetics.

In the U.S., propylparaben remains prevalent in processed foods, beauty products, and personal care items. Avoiding products that contain this ingredient can be difficult, but choosing organic, preservative-free foods and using paraben-free personal care items can help reduce exposure. By reading labels and opting for cleaner alternatives, consumers can protect their health from harmful chemicals.

11. Olestra (Found in Fat-Free Snack Foods)

Olestra is a fat substitute used in some low-fat and fat-free snack foods, such as chips and crackers, to mimic the taste and texture of fat. However, Olestra can cause digestive issues, including cramps, diarrhea, and nutrient malabsorption, and has been linked to potential long-term health problems. The EU banned Olestra due to these risks, but it is still allowed in the U.S.

While Olestra is approved by the FDA, its side effects are well-documented, leading many to avoid products that contain this ingredient. Consumers who want to steer clear of Olestra should choose whole-food snacks like nuts or seeds or opt for chips made with healthier fats like olive oil. By avoiding heavily processed snack foods, you can reduce exposure to unnecessary chemicals and additives.

12. Sodium Nitrate (Found in Processed Meats)

Sodium nitrate is commonly used as a preservative and coloring agent in processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats. While it helps maintain freshness and desirable color, sodium nitrate has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. The EU has stricter regulations on the use of sodium nitrate in meat products, with some countries banning it outright.

In the U.S., sodium nitrate remains widely used in processed meats, despite growing concerns about its health effects. While nitrates in their natural form (as found in vegetables) are harmless, the synthetic version used in processed meats can turn into harmful nitrosamines when cooked at high temperatures. Reducing processed meat consumption and choosing nitrate-free products can lower your risk of exposure to this harmful chemical.

13. Synthetic Growth Hormones (Used in Dairy and Meat Production)

Synthetic growth hormones, such as rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone), are used in the U.S. to increase milk production in cows and promote faster growth in cattle. These hormones have been linked to increased risks of breast cancer, early puberty in girls, and hormonal imbalances. While the EU banned the use of these hormones in the 1990s, they remain legal in the U.S.

Consumers in the U.S. are still exposed to these hormones through dairy and meat products unless they specifically choose organic or hormone-free alternatives. By purchasing milk labeled “rBGH-free” or opting for grass-fed beef, you can reduce your exposure to these synthetic hormones. Choosing organic dairy and meat products is an important step in avoiding harmful chemicals that may negatively impact your health.