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

By Christine Lepisto, TreeHugger

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?

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Jaycee B.

2:14PM PST on Jan 17, 2012

Come on America, we can follow in Europe's footsteps! Ban these horrible items!

send a green star

Fran B.

6:23PM PST on Dec 20, 2011

The US needs to be more responsible when it comes to the food health of their citizens.

Suze O.

12:33PM PST on Dec 18, 2011

Every single item on this list we in the US could do without..........not necessary in our lives...

Taina B.

11:20AM PST on Dec 18, 2011

Im a happy European :))

Michael L.

8:27AM PST on Dec 18, 2011

Thanks for sharing

Ida J.

3:55AM PDT on Sep 15, 2011

thanks

colleen p.

8:11AM PDT on Apr 5, 2011

criminalize cyber-bullying, feed everyone toxic food.
I don't get it

they can feed me bad food because I cannot grow my own (or bug neighboor and friends to share) but I can't make fun of stupid people?(like those who suggest hunting humans and not foxes)

Adina T.

5:36PM PDT on Mar 22, 2011

My friends that came to visit from England got sick during their first week in America because of the processed food. :(

Elizabeth M.

2:33PM PST on Jan 31, 2011

Why are 7 banned in Europe, but still available here? Soon we will have to have a World Organization to control what is being put into sprayed on, or Genetically Modified with our food. We will have to stay on the backs of our governments and Monsanto with petitions and not buy anything that Monsanto has anything to do with!

Diane M.

10:50PM PST on Jan 25, 2011

And America is supposed to be "the greatest country in the world???" I lived much of my life in Europe, and miss it terribly. A more simple, but far healthier lifestyle, food, etc... In the end you are what you eat. I have switched over to eating all organic foods and household products. I refuse to support the multinationals like Monsanto, etc etc whose interests are ONLY in making money.