The United States is a melting pot of cultures, and one way this diversity is reflected is through the wide array of foods available. From regional specialties to international delicacies, Americans have access to a plethora of gastronomic choices. However, there are some foods that are banned in the U.S. due to various reasons such as health concerns, conservation efforts, or controversial processing methods. These banned foods offer a glimpse into the complex web of regulations and ethical considerations that govern the American food landscape.
One such banned food is Époisses cheese, a pungent French cheese made from unpasteurized, raw milk. Due to USDA regulations, this cheese cannot be sold in its traditional form in the U.S. While pasteurized versions are available, true Époisses can only be enjoyed in Europe. Similarly, silver dragees, silver-coated almonds used as decorations on baked goods, are considered nonedible in the U.S. due to the use of silver as an additive, which is not permitted in food products.
Foie gras, a controversial luxury food item made from the enlarged livers of force-fed ducks and geese, is banned in California for ethical reasons. The practice of force-feeding animals for gastronomic purposes has sparked debates about animal welfare and culinary traditions. Flamin‘ Hot Cheetos, a popular snack food, has been banned in schools in states like California, New Mexico, and Illinois due to concerns over nutritional value and artificial dyes.
Konjac jelly candies, made from the konjac plant and popular for their chewy texture, were banned in the U.S. in 2001 after numerous choking incidents, especially among children. Tonka beans, known for their aromatic properties, contain a compound linked to liver damage, leading to a ban on their use in food products in 1954 by the FDA. Wild abalone, a delicacy along the Pacific Coast, was banned in California in 1997 to protect the species from overfishing.
Brominated vegetable oil, used as an emulsifier in soft drinks, was banned by the FDA in 2024 due to concerns about potential health risks. Kangaroo meat, a traditional food in Australia, was banned in California in 1973 to protect animal welfare and populations. Similarly, swans, including the endangered trumpeter swan, are illegal to hunt in many parts of the U.S. to protect the species.
Sassafras oil, containing a potential carcinogen, is banned in the U.S. due to health concerns. Queen conch meat, a popular dish in the Caribbean, is illegal to harvest in Florida to protect the species from overfishing. Sea turtles, listed as endangered by the World Wildlife Fund, are protected in the U.S., making it illegal to hunt them for consumption.
Mont d’Or, a sought-after French cheese made with unpasteurized milk, cannot be sold in the U.S. due to FDA regulations. Bushmeat, referring to various African wildlife, is illegal to import into the U.S. due to conservation efforts and health risks. Lazy Cakes, brownies containing melatonin, were banned in Arkansas in 2011 after a child was hospitalized, leading to concerns about the use of the supplement in food products.
Horse meat, while not technically illegal to consume in the U.S., is difficult to obtain due to restrictions on inspections. Raw milk, considered a health risk by the FDA, is heavily regulated and banned in some states. Ortolan, a delicacy in France made from songbirds, is illegal to consume in the U.S. due to the endangered status of the birds.
Redfish, protected species due to overfishing concerns, are banned from commercial harvesting in the U.S. Mirabelle plums, grown exclusively in Lorraine, France, are banned from importation into the U.S. due to geographic origin protections. Bird’s nest soup, made from swiftlet saliva, is not served in the U.S. due to health risks associated with the nests.
Camembert de Normandie, an authentic French cheese made with unpasteurized milk, is banned in the U.S. Japanese pufferfish, known for its toxic properties, can only be imported by one company in the U.S. Brie de Meaux, another French cheese made with raw milk, cannot be sold in the U.S. due to FDA regulations.
Fresh ackee fruit, native to West Africa and popular in the Caribbean, is banned in its fresh form in the U.S. due to toxin concerns. Casu marzu, a traditional Italian cheese containing live maggots, is banned in the U.S. and the European Union. Shark fins, a delicacy in China, are illegal to sell in the U.S. due to ethical concerns about shark finning.
Absinthe, a once-banned spirit due to false claims about its effects, is now legal in the U.S. with restrictions on thujone content. Haggis, the national dish of Scotland made from sheep offal, is effectively banned in the U.S. due to USDA regulations. Stornoway Black Pudding, a blood sausage from Scotland, is illegal to import into the U.S. due to protected geographical origin status.
Beluga caviar, a luxury food item made from endangered sturgeon, is banned from importation into the U.S. due to conservation efforts. The original Four Loko, an alcoholic beverage with caffeine, was banned in some states in 2010, leading to a reformulation without caffeine. Kinder Surprise Eggs, chocolate eggs with toys inside, are banned in the U.S. due to regulations on non-nutritive objects in food products.
Junk food and sodas are banned from schools in several states to promote healthier eating habits among students. These bans reflect a growing awareness of the impact of food choices on health and the environment, highlighting the complex interplay between culture, ethics, and regulations in the American food landscape.