Health Risks Of US Food Additives: A Global Perspective

It’s no surprise to feel that the government has a hand in many aspects of our lives, from the cars we drive to the food on our plates.

But it might come as a shock that certain foods deemed safe by the FDA here in America are banned in other countries.

After reading this story, you may want to rethink some of the foods you eat.

Let’s take a look at a few items you might recognize from your pantry that aren’t welcome everywhere.

Farm-Raised Salmon

Salmon is widely known for its health benefits, especially wild-caught varieties rich in Omega-3s, which are fantastic for heart health.

But farm-raised salmon is a bit different. It’s often given a compound called Astaxanthin to produce that familiar coral color.

This isn’t a naturally occurring addition, and due to potential health concerns, countries like Australia and New Zealand have banned farm-raised salmon that’s been treated with this additive.

Ractopamine in Meat

If you’re a fan of pork, you might be surprised to learn that nearly 80% of pigs raised in the U.S. are given a hormone called Ractopamine.

This hormone helps promote weight gain and leaner meat in livestock, which can sound appealing for production but is linked to potential health risks.

Ractopamine has been banned in the European Union and Taiwan due to concerns about cardiovascular effects and hyperactivity in humans.

Skittles

These fruit-flavored candy treats contain yellow dyes #5 and #6, and both are banned in countries including Austria, Sweden, and Norway.

Little Debbie Swiss Rolls

Who doesn’t like a Little Debbie Swiss Roll?

Most people will eat the chocolate coating first and then dunk that baby in a glass of milk.

Even better? Freeze it first.

Seems innocent enough, but many European countries have banned Little Debbie Swiss Rolls because they use food dyes that are believed to be harmful to children.

Yellow 5 and red 40 are the culprits here.

Even when this treat isn’t banned, many countries require a warning label.

Pillsbury Biscuits

Who doesn’t enjoy a warm, flaky biscuit with a pat of butter?

Pillsbury Biscuits, a classic in many American kitchens, might seem innocent enough.

But they contain potassium bromate, an additive with carcinogenic potential, according to Very Well Medical.

As a result, this popular biscuit brand is banned in the EU, where food safety standards are especially cautious about certain chemical additives.

Mountain Dew

Finally, let’s talk about Mountain Dew.

While the drink’s high sugar and caffeine content may seem like obvious red flags, that’s not the reason it’s banned in countries like Austria, Finland, and Norway.

The real issue? Yellow #5, is a food coloring that’s been linked to various health concerns.

While it’s approved for use in the U.S., other countries prefer to err on the side of caution.

Every country has its standards, and I don’t consider myself an alarmist, but doesn’t it make you wonder why we consume so many food items that are banned elsewhere for health reasons?

Source: Market Realist

Gallery Credit: Eddie Davis