7 Foods Banned in Europe Still Available in the U.S.

Genetically Modified Foods

Although the E.U. is continuously coming under attack for policies banning GM foods, the community is  highly suspicious of genetically modified foods, and the agro-industrial  pressures that drive their use. The problem with GM foods is that there is  simply not sufficient research and understanding to inform good  public policy. In spite of widespread GM use without apparent negative impacts  in other countries, the recent public reaction to trans-fats are reason enough  to support a precautionary principle for the food supply chain.

Pesticides in Your Food

The E.U. has acted against the worst pesticides typically found as residuals  in the food chain. A ban on 22 pesticides was passed at the E.U. level, and is  pending approval by the Member States. Critics claim the ban will raise prices  and may harm malaria control, but advocates of the ban say action must be taken  against the pesticides which are known to cause harm to health and nevertheless  consistently found in studies of food consumption.

Bovine Growth Hormone

This drug, known as rBGH for short, is not allowed in Europe. In contrast,  U.S. citizens struggle even for laws that allow hormone-free labeling so that consumers have a choice. This  should be an easy black-and-white decision for all regulators and any  corporation that is really concerned about sustainability: give consumers the  information. We deserve control over our food choice.

Chlorinated Chickens

Amid cries that eating American chickens would degrade European citizens to  the status of guinea pigs, the E.U. continued a ban on chickens washed in  chlorine. The ban effectively prevents all import of chickens from the U.S. into  Europe. If chicken chlorination is “totally absurd” and “outrageous” for Europeans, what does that mean for Americans?

Food Contact Chemicals

Phthalates and Bisphenols in plastic are really beneficial. They help  manufacturers create plastic products with the softness and moldability needed  to fulfill consumer needs. But when the food contact additives are found in the  food and liquids contained by those plastics, trouble starts. Both the U.S. and  Europe stringently regulate food contact use of chemicals. However, the standard  of approval is different. In Europe, the precautionary principle requires that  the suppliers of chemicals prove their additives safe, or they will be banned. Of  course, although the E.U. has banned phthalates in toys, both phthalates and  bisphenol-A remain approved for food contact uses — subject to strict  regulations on their use.

Stevia, the natural sweetener

The U.S. recently approved this “natural” sweetener as a food additive.  Previously, it was sold in the U.S. under the less stringent dietary supplement  laws. It has been embraced in Japan for over three decades, but E.U. bans still  stand — pointing to potential disturbances in fertility and other negative  health impacts. But the sweetener is credited with potentially positive health  effects too. Is this a case where consumer choice should prevail?

Planned Ban: Food Dyes

Many food dyes previously recognized as safe are suspected of contributing to  attention deficit disorder. Action is afoot as the UK evaluates a ban on synthetic food colors. Regulation in the E.U. often starts through the leadership  of one Member State, which pushes the concepts up to Brussels after a  proof-of-concept pilot phase. Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green  3, Orange B, and Red 3 are among the food colors associated with hyperactivity.