Did you know Skittles, Kinder Eggs, Fruit Loops are just some of the world famous snacks that have been banned in some countries? Here is why…
Major American and British snacks have made their way around the world. They are fun, flavourful and nostalgic! From sweet, to sour, to salty, there is no doubt about the fact these 5 are some of the most famously known and consumed snacks in the world. They have been the true OG’s – One’s that have almost been synonymous with our childhood memories. But did you know these 5 are banned in many countries? Shocker!
Very recently, Skittles has been in the news as the state of California just imposed a ban on the list of ingredients the candy contains. This got us thinking, which other snacks are considered unsafe in other parts of the world? We mean, we all did know they aren’t the healthiest item on the health menu but to think they are on the banned list for some countries, toxic, harmful? Hmm, interesting and definitely worth reading into. Subsequently, we went on to research see why exactly. Here are the 5 snacks that have been banned most recently:
Froot Loops
The beloved, Kellog’s colourful and fruity cereal contains yellow 5, red 40 and other potentially harmful artificial dyes that are banned in the EU. The American cereal is banned in many European countries; France, Austria, Norway and Finland. As the ingredients contain or rather, are packed with food dyes that are considered really harmful and which many scientific studies have found a link between artificial dyes and the inhibition of cell development. The sugary cereal also contains soybean, cottonseed oil, and hydrogenated coconut, all of which are considered dangerous and banned in the above mentioned countries.
It’s definitely sad news for us, Fruit Loops being our most favorite cereal ever.
Skittles
The popular candy is banned in Europe for containing a handful of harmful additives. Skittles contains both Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 artificial food dyes that have raised concerns because of their potential adverse effects. Research has found possible links between the Yellow 5 and hyperactivity in children while rat studies have explored Yellow 6 with potential links to tumors in the testes and adrenal glands. Reason why Europe has completely banned the use of Yellow 5 and Yellow 6.
Another ingredient or rather chemical used in Skittles is Titanium Dioxide which the EU banned effective as of August 7, 2022. Titanium dioxide is a white food colorant often used in candies and junk as a texture smoothner. Titanium dioxide is found in the U.S. ingredient list for Skittles but does not feature in bags of the sweets sold/consumed in Europe, since it was banned by the European Union last year.
The chemicals in Skittles now facing a complete ban are red dye No. 3, bromated vegetable oil, potassium bromate and propyl paraben, which have been linked to, among other health concerns, the risk of cancer and hyperactivity in children.
The chemicals already are restricted in Europe, allegedly with the exception of the colour, which is allowed only in certain types of cherries. A similar bill, which also adds titanium dioxide to the other four chemicals, is pending in the New York state legislature. The candy will officially be banned from 2027 if it still contains these ingredients giving brands time to update their ingredient lists.
Ritz Crackers
Your favourite crackers to pair with cheese? The world famous crackers contain hydrogenated cottonseed oil, which is a trans fat that is known to cause heart/cardiovascular and other health problems. The FDA has actually declared these types of oils to be “not generally recognized as safe,” but certain loopholes still allow them to continue to be used in products. The cracker is banned in countries like Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark.
Kinder Eggs
The British egg shaped chocolate packed with surprise in the center is banned in the US because it violates the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) prohibition against “non-nutritive objects” contained inside food items. The restriction is meant to protect consumers against choking hazards because young children may mistakenly try to eat the toy in the center of the chocolate.
Thus, the US does not allow the sale of Kinder Joy Eggs. A good enough reason? What do you think?
Gatorade
The American sports drink full of electrolytes advertised with world renowned athletes is banned in Europe & Japan. An ingredient called brominated vegetable oil (BVO) was banned in the European Union which led to Gatorade tweaking its recipe. However, Gatorade is still banned in some parts of Europe due to the drink company’s use of artificial dyes. Not so healthy and sporty after all?
Are you still consuming these snacks or the more important questions is, will you still continue to?
