Food is necessary for life, but it also presents a whole lot of problems. Since the food business is so lucrative, many try to preserve food items by using dangerous substances. As a result, some foods are now outright banned in some places due to health concerns.
Of course, food bans don’t have to be due to the included preservatives. The reasons may also be religious, ethical, moral, or even political. Read on below for an interesting insight into food bans all over the world:
1. Drinks With Citrus Flavor
No, we’re not talking about Fanta. The drinks mentioned here are a certain kind which has BVO in them. If you see this listed as one of the ingredients on a can, put it down and back away.
BVO stands for Brominated Vegetable Oil. It is a well-known cause of thyroid problems. Since thyroid instability is on the rise in any case, it’s best to stay away from thins that could make it more likely.
Plus, it is also believed to contribute to schizophrenia. Hence, it’s no surprise that it’s banned in over a hundred countries. This includes the United States and all the countries within the European Union.
2. Samosas
If you’re fan of Indian food, this point may make you shake your head in disbelief. Samosas are a part of South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. These are basically triangular-shaped patties with a crunchy outside and a savory filling inside.
While samosas are now being given a makeover in some countries, with Nutella and pizza filling, Somalia takes a different path. The triangle shape of the traditional samosa caused some Islamic leaders in Somalia to ban it outright. This is because the triangle reminded them of the Holy Trinity and hence is taken to be a symbol of Christianity.
Sure, this reasoning doesn’t really add up. However, it is what it is. Hopefully, the Somalians can make do with D-shaped and rectangular samosas instead.
3. Raw Milk
For students, raw milk is a source of energy to stay attentive while they study, particularly when they tackle uk coursework. But in some countries, this healthy food is banned.
Raw and unpasteurized milk may be a staple in South Asian countries. However, raw milk is a strict n-no for the United States and Canada. In fact, any products made from unpasteurized milk fells in the same banned category.
The reasoning is frilly simple; raw milk may carry salmonella and listeriosis. Both are disease-causing germs that could even be fatal. Pregnant women especially are advised to avoid raw milk and its products. Hence, this does seem to be a logical precautionary measure.
4. Vegetarian Meals
France has famously banned wholly vegetarian meals in its school. Their reasoning is that there is valuable protein in non-vegetarian foods. Hence, every child must consume some meat in order to stay healthy. In fact, meal times for kids are not just about feeding them but teaching them about French cuisine.
This immense value on food and meal times is also what caused the French to ban ketchup. Hence, vegetarians should either opt out of school dinners or else compromise on meals in France.
5. Kinder Joy – Usa
Americans usually mourn the ban of these little chocolate eggs with a surprise in the middle. Basically, these are chocolate shells with a white inside. When you break it open, there’s a small plastic egg, which contains an even tinier toy.
These eggs are the subject of fascination for many kids, even if they have never had one. In fact, there is a huge YouTube audience for videos that show the unwrapping of these eggs. Their toys may also be regarded as almost being collectibles.
The main reason for banning this egg is that it’s basically plastic covered in something edible. The FDA doesn’t trust this sort of order. Even with the plastic casing inside, the toy still presents a choking hazard. Hence, Kinder eggs are out for the time being.
Wrap-Up…
Some of these bans are surprising, but they each have some reason behind them. Some may even be laughable. However, it takes all kinds to make a world, and this includes several policies we may not understand. Plus, humans are resourceful and have probably come up with substitutes for a food banned in their country.
Author Bio
Jaelyn Arias is a food blogger and Nutritionist. She is also a travelling enthusiast who loves traveling the world. She is an amateur photographer and loves clicking the nature. Snorkeling, fishing and scuba diving are some her other hobbies.