What Foods Are Banned in Europe but Not Banned in the U.S.?

Christmas dinner this year was revealing in this regard. As my mom went to whip up a box of Hungry Jack mashed potatoes, I checked the box and found BHT. I didn’t recognize it, so I looked it up and found the “reasonably can be expected to be carcinogenic” line.

When I brought it up to my mom who was mixing it in a pot, my grandma, who survived cancer but is now immobilized from a spine fracture likely caused by her chemo, protested: “But I’ve been eating this for years and I’m still here.”

I think the irony was lost, but that’s the mindset that prevents her from taking interest. If it’s not going to kill me immediately, I don’t have to worry about the consequences down the line.

My mom replied: “He likes to know what he’s eating, Ma. He only eats real food now.” And she kept on stirring...

It should be mentioned, there are also foods banned in the US that are legal in Europe... especially when only few and ambiguous studies are available - risk assignment might lead to different choices.

chicken eggs come uncleaned and because of natural protection have a longer shelf-life in europe I think