Throughout history, governments and societies have banned certain foods for reasons ranging from health concerns to politics to religious beliefs. Some bans seem logical, while others are downright bizarre. Let’s look at 15 foods that were forbidden at one time or another.
1. Absinthe
Why It Was Banned: Known as “the green fairy,” absinthe was outlawed in the early 1900s for allegedly causing hallucinations and madness.
Fun Fact: Modern science debunked these claims, and absinthe is now legal in most countries.
2. Foie Gras
Why It Was Banned: The production of foie gras, which involves force-feeding ducks or geese, has been outlawed in several places due to animal cruelty concerns.
Fun Fact: Despite bans, foie gras remains a delicacy in many parts of the world.
3. Raw Milk
Why It Was Banned: Raw, unpasteurized milk is illegal in many countries due to fears of bacterial contamination.
Fun Fact: Advocates for raw milk argue it has more health benefits and better taste than pasteurized versions.
4. Ketchup in School Cafeterias
Why It Was Banned: In France, ketchup was banned in school cafeterias in 2011 to preserve traditional French cuisine.
Fun Fact: The only exception? It’s allowed on French fries. Oh, the irony.
5. Kinder Eggs
Why It Was Banned: The iconic chocolate eggs were banned in the U.S. for decades because their plastic toys posed a choking hazard.
Fun Fact: Kinder now makes a U.S.-friendly version called Kinder Joy, with the toy in a separate compartment.
6. Sassafras Oil
Why It Was Banned: A key ingredient in traditional root beer, sassafras oil was banned by the FDA in 1960 due to cancer concerns.
Fun Fact: Modern root beer uses artificial flavors instead of real sassafras.
7. Ortolan
Why It Was Banned: This tiny songbird, traditionally eaten whole in France, was banned to protect its dwindling population.
Fun Fact: Eating ortolan was once considered a luxurious and secretive ritual.
8. Haggis
Why It Was Banned: The U.S. has banned traditional Scottish haggis since 1971 because it contains sheep lung, which is prohibited for human consumption.
Fun Fact: Some chefs have created lung-free versions to get around the ban.
9. Margarine
Why It Was Banned: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, margarine was banned or heavily restricted in several countries due to pressure from the dairy industry.
Fun Fact: Some places even required margarine to be dyed pink to distinguish it from butter!
10. Shark Fins
Why It Was Banned: Shark finning, the practice of cutting off fins and discarding the rest of the shark, has been banned in many countries due to its cruelty and environmental impact.
Fun Fact: Shark fin soup remains a controversial delicacy in some cultures.
11. Horse Meat
Why It Was Banned: In the U.S. and parts of Europe, horse meat is banned or taboo due to cultural and ethical reasons.
Fun Fact: In France and Japan, horse meat is considered a delicacy.
12. Black Pudding (Blood Sausage)
Why It Was Banned: Banned in certain countries at various times due to religious or cultural taboos against consuming blood.
Fun Fact: Black pudding is a staple breakfast food in the UK and Ireland.
13. Casu Marzu
Why It Was Banned: This Sardinian cheese, known for containing live maggots, was banned by the EU for health and safety reasons.
Fun Fact: It’s still sold illegally and considered a delicacy by those brave enough to try it.
Related: The 10 Foods Most Likely to Upset Your Stomach While Traveling
14. Fugu (Pufferfish)
Why It Was Banned: Fugu contains deadly toxins, and improper preparation can be fatal. It’s been banned in various places for safety reasons.
Fun Fact: Only highly trained chefs are allowed to prepare fugu in Japan.
Related: 30 Discontinued Taco Bell Menu Items We Want Back
15. Raw Almonds
Why It Was Banned: In the U.S., unpasteurized almonds were banned in 2007 due to salmonella outbreaks.
Fun Fact: The ban only applies to almonds grown in California, but they’re still available if labeled as “raw.”