Due to health risks, safety concerns, or ethical reasons, some foods and ingredients are banned in the United States. These food bans reflect health, environmental, or ethical considerations. While it might seem adventurous to try these foods, understanding the reasoning behind the bans ensures you make safe and informed culinary choices. Here’s a look at 20 foods that are prohibited or highly regulated, and the reasons behind the bans.
Haggis
Why It’s Banned: Haggis traditionally contains sheep’s lung, which has been banned in the U.S. since 1971 due to concerns about foodborne illnesses.
Tip: Try a lung-free version if you want a taste of the Scottish delicacy, or enjoy it abroad.
britannica
Casu Marzu (Maggot Cheese)
Why It’s Banned: This Sardinian cheese is filled with live maggots, banned in the U.S. due to health risks associated with consuming live larvae.
Tip: Aged cheeses like Gorgonzola offer a similar pungency without the maggots.
wikipedia
Kinder Surprise Eggs
Why It’s Banned: These chocolate eggs contain a non-edible toy inside, which violates FDA regulations on embedded non-food items.
Tip: Kinder Joy eggs are legal in the U.S. because the toy is separated from the chocolate.
A Kniesel GNU Free Documentation License
Shark Fin
Why It’s Banned: Banned in several states due to animal cruelty and the decline in shark populations.
Tip: Many Asian restaurants offer shark fin soup alternatives made with gelatin or vermicelli for a similar texture.
sharks.org
Fugu (Pufferfish)
Why It’s Banned: This Japanese delicacy contains tetrodotoxin, a deadly poison. Only licensed chefs can serve it under strict regulations.
Tip: Look for restaurants certified to serve fugu in Japan or certain licensed spots globally.
byfood
Sassafras Oil
Why It’s Banned: Sassafras contains safrole, a chemical linked to liver damage and cancer.
Tip: Sassafras-flavored beverages now use artificial flavoring or similar-tasting spices like anise.
travel.alot
Foie Gras (in Some States)
Why It’s Banned: States like California banned foie gras over animal cruelty concerns in the production process.
Tip: Vegan alternatives are available using mushrooms or nuts for a similar richness.
Stefano Rellandini/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
Unpasteurized Milk
Why It’s Banned: Unpasteurized (raw) milk carries a higher risk of bacterial contamination.
Tip: Pasteurized organic milk provides a similar nutrient profile without the health risks.
JoNel Aleccia | Credit: AP
Japanese Kobe Beef
Why It’s Banned: Strict import regulations limit the availability of authentic Japanese Kobe beef, though some licensed vendors are approved.
Tip: Look for Wagyu beef, which offers similar marbling and flavor, or visit a certified Kobe distributor.
lexisjapan
Queen Conch
Why It’s Banned: Overfishing has led to a ban on harvesting queen conch in the U.S.
Tip: Try sea snail or squid dishes for a similar texture when dining at seafood restaurants.
Jennifer Doerr/NOAA SEFSC Galveston
Pig’s Blood Cake
Why It’s Banned: This Taiwanese delicacy of blood and rice is banned due to hygiene regulations around animal blood.
Tip: Other blood sausage options, like morcilla or black pudding, are legally available and similar in flavor.
wikipedia
Ackee Fruit
Why It’s Banned: This Jamaican fruit can be toxic if consumed under-ripe, containing hypoglycin A which causes severe illness.
Tip: Look for canned ackee products, which are pre-processed to remove toxins and are safe to eat.
Roderick Chen / Getty Images
Beluga Caviar
Why It’s Banned: Due to overfishing and the endangered status of the beluga sturgeon, imports have been restricted.
Tip: Try domestic caviar from sustainable sources like American sturgeon or paddlefish.
wagyushop
Horse Meat
Why It’s Banned: Slaughtering horses for meat is prohibited in the U.S., and the sale is highly restricted.
Tip: Other lean meats, like bison or elk, offer similar protein benefits.
The New York Times
Silver Dragees
Why It’s Banned: These metallic decorative balls often used on cakes are technically inedible by FDA standards due to potential toxicity of the silver coating.
Tip: Substitute with edible pearl sprinkles or color-coated candy balls.
Audrey Knizek
Mirabelle Plums
Why It’s Banned: Import restrictions from France limit access to this prized fruit.
Tip: Consider apricots or Italian plums for a similar sweet, tart flavor.
oikostreecrops
Wild Beluga Whale Meat
Why It’s Banned: Due to endangered species protections, beluga whale meat is banned in the U.S.
Tip: Seek sustainable seafood options like Alaskan salmon or trout for a similar taste profile.
gameat
Ortolan Bunting
Why It’s Banned: This small bird, traditionally eaten whole in France, is protected due to its endangered status and inhumane hunting methods.
Tip: Try quail or other small game birds as a more humane alternative.
Bushmeat
Why It’s Banned: Animal meat from wild African species is banned due to zoonotic disease risks.
Tip: Exotic meats like ostrich and bison offer unique flavors legally and safely.
healthbusiness
Redfish (Gulf of Mexico Origin)
Why It’s Banned: Restrictions on Gulf redfish help protect the population from overfishing.
Tip: Look for red snapper or striped bass as flavorful alternatives.
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
