Banned Delicacies: Illegal Foods from Around the World

Skittles

Skittles contain artificial colors, specifically Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6, which are banned in some Scandinavian countries due to their link to hyperactivity in children.

Where it’s illegal: Norway and Sweden

Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew is banned in several countries due to the presence of brominated vegetable oil, a food additive that contains bromine and can cause health issues such as skin irritation, memory loss, and impaired coordination.

Where it’s illegal: European Union (E.U.), Japan, India

Beluga Caviar

The fall of the U.S.S.R. led to overfishing and black market trade of beluga caviar, resulting in the banning of this delicacy due to the endangered status of the beluga.

Where it’s illegal: U.S.

Honey Maid S’mores Cereal

Post's Honey Maid S'mores cereal contains butylated hydroxytoluene, a preservative banned in many countries due to its potential carcinogenic effects.

Where it’s illegal: United Kingdom, E.U., Japan, Australia, New Zealand

Foie Gras

Controversial dish foie gras is produced from force-feeding ducks or geese until their livers swell more than eight times their natural size, leading to bans in many countries and states.

Where it’s illegal: Parts of the U.S., Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Poland and Turkey

Raw Ackee

The Jamaican fruit ackee, which is a beloved national dish, can be toxic if unripe due to the high level of hypoglycin A. The US banned its raw importation in the 1970s, but it is still available canned or frozen.

Where it’s illegal: U.S.

Raspberry Jell-O

Raspberry Jell-O contains Red 40, a food dye made from petroleum, which is illegal in Norway and Austria and restricted in the rest of Europe.

Where it’s illegal: Norway and Austria

Kinder Surprise Eggs

The U.S. bans the Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs that contain a toy surprise inside due to a choking hazard. Though popular in Europe, the FDA banned food products with hidden objects long ago.

Where it’s illegal: U.S.

Instant Mashed Potatoes

Instant mashed potatoes are banned in Europe, Japan and Australia due to the use of butylated hydroxyanisole preservative, despite their popularity in Canada and the US.

Where it’s illegal: E.U., Japan and Australia