With over 3,000 laws shaping America’s food landscape, some foods are banned outright due to health risks, conservation efforts, or trade rules. These restrictions protect public safety and ecosystems but often limit access to global culinary traditions.
From raw milk to shark fins, here are 15 surprising foods you won’t find in the U.S.—and the reasons they’re prohibited.
1. Raw Milk
Raw milk poses significant health risks due to potential bacterial contamination. Unpasteurized dairy products are 840 times more likely to cause foodborne illnesses compared to their pasteurized counterparts. (ref)
The prohibition of interstate raw milk sales, enacted by the FDA in 1987, came after numerous disease outbreaks. Between 1998 and 2018, raw milk was linked to 202 outbreaks, resulting in over 2,600 illnesses and 228 hospitalizations.
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2. Shark Fins
The practice of shark finning has led to devastating declines in shark populations worldwide. Recent legislation aims to protect these crucial marine predators from further exploitation.
A nationwide ban passed in December 2022 eliminated major incentives for shark finning. Studies indicate that approximately 73 million sharks are killed annually for their fins, highlighting the urgent need for such protective measures. (ref)
3. Sassafras Oil
This traditional flavoring agent was banned by the FDA in 1960 due to its carcinogenic properties. Research consistently demonstrates that safrole, the main component of sassafras oil, can induce liver tumors. (ref)
The ban has significantly impacted traditional food products, particularly root beer, which historically used sassafras for flavoring. Manufacturers have since developed safer alternatives to maintain familiar tastes while protecting consumer health.
4. Japanese Puffer Fish (Fugu)
This notorious delicacy contains lethal levels of tetrodotoxin, making it potentially more deadly than cyanide. The FDA maintains strict regulations preventing the sale of unsafe puffer fish in the USA.
Documentation shows concerning statistics, with 28 poisoning incidents linked to puffer fish between 2002 and 2004 in the US alone. In Japan, approximately 20-100 deaths occur annually from fugu consumption. (ref)
5. Foie Gras
The controversial production method of foie gras has led to its ban in several states, including California. Studies reveal that force-fed birds experience mortality rates 10-20 times higher than their non-force-fed counterparts. (ref)
The ban particularly affects high-end dining establishments and has sparked debates about animal welfare versus culinary tradition. This restriction has led to the development of cruelty-free alternatives in response to changing consumer preferences.
6. Epoisses Cheese
This French delicacy faces prohibition due to serious health concerns regarding Listeria monocytogenes. The USDA’s ban on unpasteurized cheeses aged less than 60 days directly affects this traditional cheese’s availability.
Statistics demonstrate the gravity of the situation, with Listeria causing approximately 260 deaths and over 1,600 severe illnesses annually in the USA. (ref) This has led to strict import restrictions on certain European cheeses.
7. Tonka Beans
The FDA enforced a ban on tonka beans in 1954 due to their high coumarin content. This compound can cause severe liver damage when consumed in large quantities.
Despite their popularity in other countries, particularly in fine dining, tonka beans remain prohibited in the US. This restriction has created an unusual divide in global culinary practices, affecting chefs’ ability to recreate certain international dishes.
8. Farm-Raised Salmon
Health concerns arise from high levels of contaminants in farmed salmon. Studies have found PCB levels 16 times higher in farmed salmon compared to wild-caught varieties. (ref)
Research indicates that these elevated levels of dioxins and PCBs can contribute to various health issues, including metabolic disorders. This has led to restrictions and increased scrutiny of farm-raised salmon products.
9. Sea Turtles
The ban on sea turtle consumption stems from both conservation efforts and health concerns. Numerous poisoning incidents have been documented, involving over 2,400 victims and 420 fatalities globally. (ref)
Sea turtle meat often contains dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals. Interestingly, conservation efforts have demonstrated that living sea turtles generate more economic benefits through tourism than consumption.
10. Artificial Food Dyes
Certain artificial food dyes face restrictions, particularly in school settings. The California School Food Safety Act specifically targets dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 due to their links to behavioral issues.
Systematic reviews have identified significant associations between synthetic food dyes and behavioral problems in children, particularly hyperactivity. This has led to increased scrutiny and regulation of these common food additives.
11. Arsenic-Laced Chicken
The FDA banned most arsenic-based antibiotics in chicken feed after studies revealed concerning health risks. Research documented that U.S. chicken meat contained inorganic arsenic levels four times higher in treated chickens.
This ban has significantly impacted the poultry industry while raising public awareness about food safety. Consumption of treated poultry was linked to elevated urine arsenic levels, prompting changes in industry practices.
12. Beluga Caviar
The US banned beluga caviar in 2005 due to severe overfishing of beluga sturgeon. This luxury item’s popularity led to the species requiring protected status.
Currently, only one legal breeder of beluga sturgeon exists in America, operating under unique government agreements. This facility contributes to conservation efforts by donating fertilized eggs to help replenish wild populations.
13. Ackee
This Jamaican national fruit contains hypoglycin A, a dangerous toxin. The FDA has deemed it hazardous when consumed in large amounts.
While fresh ackee is banned, processed versions from FDA-approved manufacturers remain available. This restriction helps prevent accidental poisoning while preserving cultural access to this traditional food.
14. Haggis
Scotland’s national dish has been banned since 1971 due to one key ingredient: sheep’s lungs. The USDA ruled that livestock lungs cannot be used for human food due to contamination risks.
Despite its cultural significance and defenders like Anthony Bourdain, who called it “the most unfairly reviled food on Earth,” haggis remains prohibited. This ban particularly affects authentic Scottish cuisine in America.
15. Mirabelle Plums
Unlike other banned foods, Mirabelle plums face restrictions due to import laws rather than safety concerns. These plums, grown exclusively in Lorraine, France, are protected by geographic origin regulations.
The import restriction has created an unusual situation where a completely safe fruit remains unavailable to American consumers. This demonstrates how trade agreements and protected status designations can affect food availability.
While these food bans may seem restrictive, they reflect America’s commitment to public health, environmental conservation, and consumer safety. The FDA and USDA’s vigilant oversight has prevented countless foodborne illnesses and protected endangered species, even as some restrictions spark ongoing debates about cultural traditions and culinary freedom.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.