From lip-smacking samosas in Somalia to your child’s favourite Kinder in the US, we bring you ten foods that are banned in some countries.
1. Samosa in Somalia
Yes, you read it right! SAMOSA, the yummy snack that you eat here in India is banned in Somalia. Prepared from refined flour and a filling of meat or vegetables, the snack has a triangular shape which seemed to be a symbol of Christianity to ‘Al-Shabaab group’. The shape didn’t go well with the group, as they thought it resembles the Christian Holy Trinity and so they banned Samosa in Somalia in the year 2011.
2. Tomato ketchup in France
France is a wonderland for foodies as you get to eat all the delicious delicacies! But if you are someone who loves to gorge on snacks with a great amount of tomato ketchup, then you might be in for some surprise. The French government banned tomato ketchup in the year 2011 from elementary schools, so that the French cuisine doesn’t get overshadowed by the condiment.
3. Kinder eggs in the US
Citing health concerns, the US government put a strict ban on the sale of Kinder Surprise Eggs in the country. Dating back to 1938, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of US banned all candies embedded with non-nutritive objects. Hence, the ban was imposed on these little treats. Also, the government thought that the hidden toy could be a choking hazard for the little children.
4. Chewing gum banned in Singapore
Singapore, which is famous for its cleanliness and seafood, is known for its strict rules and regulations too, and food rules is one of them. The Singapore Statute Chapter 57 in the year 1992 restricted the use, distribution and trade of all kinds of chewing gums. But in the year 2004, due to international pressure the country allowed therapeutic dental chewing gums.
5. Jelly mini cups banned in the EU
The sticky and sugary jelly mini cups that you like to lick on are actually banned in UK and the rest of the EU. The reason behind the ban is the food additive E425, which otherwise is known as konjac or konjac gum. It is used as a thickening agent that can be a choking hazard for children and older people. So the next time you visit any EU country with or without children, don’t even think about asking for these jellies!
6. Horse meat in US and UK
Talking about non-vegetarian lovers, here is something that you should know before entering any English-speaking countries. There is a certain cultural taboo against horse meat in these countries, and organizations like Humane Society and Equine Advocates have been lobbying for ending the killing of horses for food. In some countries, slaughtering and butchering horses for consumption is actually a punishable offense. Even though horse meat is still considered a delicacy in Italy and many European countries!
7. Unpasteurized raw milk and dairy products in US
Due to some health concerns, there is prohibition on unpasteurized milk and all unpasteurized dairy products in Canada and in 22 states of the USA. The actual reason behind this ban is that the germs present in these products may spread listeriosis, E-coli and food poisoning.
8. Haggis in US
The famous delicacy of Scotland after Scotch, Haggis has been banned in the US for over 40 years. There are strict laws against Haggis and which is an illegal food in USA. Made of sheep heart, liver, and lungs, it is mixed with a number of spices and seasonings before serving. If you happen to be in the US, you certainly should know about it.
9. Foie gras in Europe and UK
If you are a fan of Foie gras (literally meaning fatty liver in French), then here is something you should know. Because of the procedure and the cruelty that the duck or goose is put through, it is considered inhuman to eat the luxury food. Foie gras is actually banned in most of the European countries, US, UK and even India.
10. Cow meat in India
Due to religious and cultural views of people living in India, slaughtering and butchering a cow is a punishable offense in the country. However, there are different laws related to it in different states. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock
