Do other countries know something that the United States does not know? When it comes to food choices, it may be possible. Dozens of countries actually ban certain foods are that are still allowable for sale in the United States – and for good reason at that. Here are a list of some of the top chemicals and additives found and banned in other countries.
Ractopamine Found in Meats
Ractopamine is an asthma drug given to pigs and cattle in an effort to make them more appealing and plump them up before slaughter. A plump turkey gives the connotation of being juicy, healthy, and tasty. Healthy may be an incorrect term in this scenario, however.
A percentage of this particular drug still resides in the cattle and poultry when it reaches the market. Thereafter, it reaches your table and your family. This drug in animals is showing signs of a reduction in reproductive function, an increase in mastitis, and in severe cases, even death.
The possibility that this drug may interfere with a healthy cardiovascular system and even behavioral disorders may exist. Therefore, this drug is banned in Europe, China, and Russia, as well; however, it is not even tested for in the United States.
Could you imagine a soft drink containing flame retardant chemicals? Brominated vegetable oil (otherwise known as BVO) is found in certain soft drinks throughout the United States. When this chemical was first created, its use was intended as a flame retardant product.
Brominated vegetable oil found in breast milk could cause potential harm when breastfeeding. Again, animal studies are showing reproductive issues as well as behavioral issues. Other issues ranging from acne and rashes to excessive fatigue and cardiac arrhythmia are also issues deemed questionably caused by BVO. Europe and Japan ban these chemicals and the soft drinks found inside them.
Colored Food Dyes
Colored food dyes have long been suspect in behavioral problems in young children. Certain dyes are linked to behavior disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, and or Blue 2 are showing to cause cancer and behavioral disorders in animals. Companies are looking to alternative methods of coloring food that are all natural as opposed to adding these chemically laden food dyes.
Most European countries are looking to inform and warn consumers while seeking out alternative answers to a very serious problem.
BHA AND BHT
These chemicals are mostly seen in children’s cereal, chewing gum, and butter spreads. These chemicals are known to have the potential to act as human carcinogens. Having said that, it is no wonder that these chemical additives and preservatives are banned in Europe and Japan.