Nowadays, people around the world are becoming more and more informed and pay attention to their health. Unfortunately, the United States lags behind in some cases in knowing about the food they eat and are offered compared to other countries. For this reason, there are certain foods that are actually consumed in the USA but banned in other countries.
Read this list carefully and learn what to avoid:
1. Arsenic In Chicken
Arsenic-laced chicken is fed with organic arsenic which is said to speed up the growth of animals in general, in this case, chicken.
According to research done by FDA, organic arsenic is not toxic.
On the other hand, some other studies claim that this substance is very harmful and dangerous. For this reason, drugs based on arsenic have been banned in Europe.
2. Ractopamine-tainted Meat
Ractopamine is a drug responsible for a protein boost and increased meat production. Because of this feature, this drug is added to quite a few animals. The drug Ractopamine boosts protein synthesis and produces more meat. Due to this quality, it is in Turkeys, about 30% of ration-fed cattle, and about 45% of pigs.
Though legal in the USA, this drug is prohibited in Russia, China, and roughly 160 European countries.
3. Farm-raised Salmon
Farm-raised salmon are fed antibiotics and other diets unnatural to normal Salmon. Due to this type of diet, their meat turns gray. In addition, they are fed with synthetic astaxanthin (made of petrochemicals) to change this.
For all these reasons, farmed salmon are prohibited in Australia as well as in New Zealand.
4. Milk and Dairy Laced with rBGH
RBGH is actually a synthetic form of a natural bovine somatotropin. This substance is injected into animals to enhance the milk production. It is extremely dangerous since it has been linked to cancer cell growth. Due to this issue, it is prohibited in Europe, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Israel.
5. Artificial Colors and Dyes
There are about 3000 various preservatives, colors, and flavoring in food. Most of them are dangerous and can cause an array of serious diseases and health issues such as birth defects as well as behavioral problems.
Norway and Austria banned the use of any of these.
6. Olestra
Olestra is, in fact, a cholesterol and calorie-free substitute that is added to many fat-free snacks. It is produced by Procter & Gamble. However, it can cause diarrhea, cramps, and leaky bowels. For this reason, it is prohibited in the United Kingdom and Canada.
7. BHT and BHA
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are very common preservatives in various foods we consume. Some studies have proven that BHA can cause cancer in rats, and logically that may follow in humans as well. Both preservatives are banned in several European countries, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
8. Potassium Bromate in Baked Goods
Potassium Bromate is believed to cause thyroid issues, gastrointestinal discomfort, nervous system damage, kidney damage and cancer. For this reason, it is banned in China, Canada, and Europe.
9. Drinks that Contain Chemicals Used As Flame Retardants
Most sodas consist of brominated vegetable oil (BVO). This synthetic chemical was initially used as a flame retardant by some chemical companies. Since it can cause damage to the central nervous system, it is banned in Europe as well as Japan.
10. Genetically Engineered Papaya
Most of the Hawaiian papaya is actually genetically engineered to be resistant to ringspot virus. Due to the genetically engineered aspects of these Papayas, it’s been debated that they may cause tumors, birth defects, organ damage and many other serious issues. It is banned in Europe but still eaten in the USA.
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