Ractopamine-Treated Pork
In the United States, pork producers often use ractopamine, a feed additive that helps animals grow leaner meat faster. While this practice is legal in America, many countries—including China, Russia, and the entire European Union—have banned pork products containing ractopamine due to health concerns. Studies published between 2023 and 2025, including recent reports from the European Food Safety Authority, cite risks such as increased heart rate and behavioral changes in humans. Over 160 countries have said no to this controversial chemical, questioning its safety for consumers. American pork exports have even been rejected or destroyed at foreign borders when ractopamine was detected. The ban is not just about potential harm to people; it’s also about animal welfare, as ractopamine has been linked to stress and injury in pigs.
Farm-Raised Salmon
Farm-raised salmon is a staple in many American diets, but it’s a different story in countries like Australia and New Zealand. These nations have banned certain types of farmed salmon due to the widespread use of synthetic colorants such as canthaxanthin and astaxanthin, which give the fish its pink color. Research published by health authorities in 2024 has highlighted that these artificial additives can accumulate in human tissue and may be linked to vision problems and allergic reactions. Moreover, farmed salmon are often fed antibiotics and pesticides to control disease, which can lead to antibiotic resistance—a growing concern detailed in a 2025 World Health Organization report. Due to these risks, consumers in some countries are only allowed to purchase wild-caught salmon.
Brominated Vegetable Oil in Soft Drinks
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is used in some American sodas and sports drinks to keep citrus flavors from separating. However, the European Union, India, and Japan have banned BVO because of studies linking it to memory loss, skin and nerve problems, and reproductive issues. A 2023 review in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that bromine compounds can build up in the body and interfere with thyroid hormones. Despite mounting evidence, BVO is still found in a handful of U.S. beverages, although some major brands have started phasing it out following consumer pressure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has faced increasing calls to reevaluate BVO’s safety, as highlighted by advocacy groups and recent media reports.
Milk with rBGH Growth Hormone
Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) is a synthetic hormone injected into dairy cows in the United States to boost milk production. Canada, the European Union, and several other countries have banned milk and dairy products from cows treated with rBGH, citing animal welfare and human health concerns. According to a 2024 report from the European Commission, rBGH has been associated with higher risks of mastitis in cows, which leads to increased antibiotic use and potential residues in milk. Human studies have raised questions about links to cancer and hormonal disruptions, prompting these bans. Despite this, rBGH-treated milk is still available in American grocery stores, although more brands now advertise their products as “rBGH-free” due to consumer demand.
Potassium Bromate in Bread
Potassium bromate is an additive used in bread and baked goods in the U.S. to improve texture and rise. It has been banned in the UK, Canada, and across the European Union after research found it could cause cancer in laboratory animals. The International Agency for Research on Cancer lists potassium bromate as a possible human carcinogen, a fact highlighted in a 2025 update to their database. Despite this, the U.S. still allows its use, though some bakeries have voluntarily stopped using it. Recent food safety campaigns in America have called for an outright ban, referencing global standards and the growing body of evidence on its health risks.
Artificial Food Dyes
Brightly colored snacks and cereals in the U.S. often contain synthetic dyes like Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40. These dyes are banned or strictly limited in the UK and much of Europe due to studies linking them to hyperactivity in children and other health concerns. A 2023 meta-analysis published in the journal Pediatrics reinforced the association between certain dyes and behavioral issues. European regulations require warning labels on foods containing these dyes, and many manufacturers have switched to natural alternatives. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to review the evidence but has not imposed similar bans, leaving American children exposed to ingredients other countries reject.
Olestra Fat Substitute
Olestra, a fat substitute once popular in low-fat snack foods, is banned in Canada and the European Union. Clinical trials from the early 2000s, supported by ongoing research into 2023, have shown that olestra can cause digestive distress—like cramping and diarrhea—and can inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The Center for Science in the Public Interest renewed calls for a U.S. ban in 2024, citing persistent consumer complaints and new evidence that olestra’s side effects are more common than initially reported. Despite its controversial reputation, olestra is still permitted in some American products, though far less widely used than in the past.
