9 International Dishes You Can’t Get Legally in the U.S.

For many, the adventure of travel goes beyond exploring new cities and landscapes; it’s about discovering new flavors and experiencing the diverse foods that each culture has to offer.  

However, some foods that are considered delicacies in their home countries are strictly banned in the United States, due to concerns ranging from health risks to ethical considerations. While some of these bans are well-known, others are much more obscure. From Kinder Eggs to horsemeat, the U.S. has regulations in place that prevent certain international foods from reaching American tables. 

Here’s a closer look at Nine fascinating, often controversial, foods that are banned in the U.S.

Beluga Caviar 

Beluga caviar, the luxury food delicacy harvested from the Beluga sturgeon, is banned in the U.S. due to conservation efforts aimed at protecting the endangered sturgeon population. In 2005, the U.S. implemented a ban on the importation of wild Beluga caviar, after the sturgeon population drastically declined from overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices.  

 Though farm-raised Beluga caviar is now available, there are stringent regulations in place. Some companies, like Marky’s and Sturgeon Aquafarms, have received exemptions by farming sturgeon sustainably, allowing them to legally import Beluga caviar.

Kinder Surprise Eggs

One of the most famous banned foods in the U.S. is the iconic Kinder Surprise Egg, a beloved treat in Europe. While it may seem like a harmless combination of chocolate and a toy surprise, the U.S. has prohibited these eggs due to a peculiar regulation: candies that contain non-nutritive objects, like toys, inside them are banned under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.  

Small toys inside edible items pose a choking hazard for children, a risk the U.S. government isn’t willing to take. To circumvent this, Ferrero launched Kinder Joy, a variation sold in the U.S., which separates the toy and chocolate into two distinct halves, making it a safer option. 

Foie Gras

Foie gras, a luxury dish made from the livers of force-fed geese or ducks, is banned in California and other parts of the U.S. due to ethical concerns over the force-feeding process, known as gavage. This method of feeding the birds large amounts of food through a tube inserted into their throats has been deemed inhumane by animal rights activists. 

California imposed a ban on foie gras in 2004, and while the law was briefly overturned, it was reinstated in 2012. Despite the ban, foie gras continues to be available in many other parts of the world, including France, where it is a part of the country’s gastronomic heritage. 

Époissesde Bourgogne 

Époisses is a renowned French cheese that is known for its pungent aroma and creamy, soft texture. While it is legally produced in the U.S. when made with pasteurized milk, the version made from unpasteurized milk is illegal to import. This is because of the health concerns associated with consuming unpasteurized dairy products, which can carry harmful bacteria like Listeria and E. coli.  

If the cheese isn’t aged for at least 60 days, a measure to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, it’s deemed unsafe for importation. Despite this, Époisses made from pasteurized milk can still be enjoyed, though its flavor is often slightly milder. 

Tonka Beans

Native to South America, tonka beans are a popular ingredient in fragrances and flavorings. The beans themselves have a sweet aroma that’s often compared to vanilla. However, tonka beans contain coumarin, a substance that, in large quantities, can be toxic to the liver.  

In 1954, the FDA prohibited the consumption of tonka beans in the U.S. because of the potential health risks associated with coumarin toxicity. While coumarin is also found in other plants like cinnamon, the levels in tonka beans are significantly higher, prompting the FDA’s decision to enforce this ban. 

Horsemeat

While horsemeat may be a delicacy in countries like Kazakhstan, Switzerland, and Japan, it is not commonly consumed in the U.S. The consumption of horsemeat is illegal in most U.S. states, although there are no federal laws outright banning it.  

California made a landmark move in 1998 by banning the sale of horsemeat for human consumption, and while it’s possible to find horsemeat in specialty markets or in some states, it remains largely taboo. The inconsistency of horsemeat regulations across the U.S. only adds to its controversial status.  

Mänhattan

Mänhattan, a dish from Sweden, is a form of fermented fish that has caused quite a stir due to its production methods and potential health risks. The dish involves fermenting fish in sealed containers for several months. This fermentation process leads to a strong odor that many find unbearable.  

Due to concerns over botulism (a deadly foodborne illness caused by improper fermentation) and unregulated production, Mänhattan was banned for exportation to the U.S., though it continues to be enjoyed in Scandinavian countries. 

Hákarl

Hákarl, a traditional Icelandic dish, is made by fermenting shark meat in a process that involves burying it underground for several months, then hanging it to dry for several more. While it may seem like an exotic delicacy to adventurous foodies, the strong ammonia smell and pungent taste make hákarl an acquired taste.  

 The U.S. FDA has imposed restrictions on the importation of hákarl due to concerns about the high levels of toxins found in shark meat, which, when improperly handled, can cause serious illness. 

Raw Milk Cheeses

While some raw milk cheeses can be legally imported into the U.S., many are banned due to health concerns. These cheeses, made from unpasteurized milk, can harbor dangerous bacteria like Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella.  

Some well-known cheeses, such as Roquefort, Brie, and Camembert, are often made with raw milk, but U.S. regulations require them to be aged for at least 60 days to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. This makes it difficult for certain cheeses, especially those made in European countries, to be legally imported into the U.S. 

Conclusion

The U.S. food bans serve as a fascinating reminder of the fine balance between cultural traditions and health and safety regulations. While many of these banned foods, whether due to safety concerns or ethical reasons, are a regular part of diets in other countries, they are kept from reaching American shores to protect public health. 

Despite the bans, the global culinary landscape remains rich with unique dishes, offering food enthusiasts a wealth of experiences to explore, whether at home or abroad. 

Read the original article on crafting your home