The United States is often called the “Land of the Free,” and while it has strict rules about certain things like unpasteurized dairy and the drinking age, it is surprisingly permissive in other areas.
Across the globe, many practices, foods, and items that are common in the U.S. have been banned or restricted.
Whether these liberties are beneficial is open to debate, but the differences highlight just how much freedom Americans have.
Here are 17 things you can do or find in the USA that are off-limits internationally, based on the sources:
1. Weird Baby Names
In the U.S., you have the freedom to name your child anything you like, from names like Apple to Moon Unit.
However, in other countries, such as Denmark, parents must choose from a pre-approved list, and many unique American names aren’t on it.
2. Potassium Bromate
This popular bread additive is perfectly legal in the U.S.. Conversely, it is illegal in European countries, India, and China.
European health experts consider it toxic and a suspected carcinogen, which may explain why some prefer European breads.
3. Ketchup With School Lunch
A staple condiment in American school cafeterias, banning ketchup could potentially cause student unrest.
In France, ketchup is off-limits in schools unless served specifically with fries. The French are not typically fans of the sweet tomato sauce otherwise.
4. Farm Raised Salmon
Much of the salmon sold in U.S. grocery stores is farm-raised and an excellent source of nutrients like omega-3 and vitamin D. American purveyors often add astaxanthin to make it appear pink like wild-caught salmon.
However, countries like New Zealand and Australia prohibit farm-raised salmon because they believe there haven’t been enough studies proving astaxanthin’s safety.
5. Turning Right on Red
While there is a growing movement to ban it in major U.S. cities (like New York and Washington D.C. starting in 2025), turning right on a red light is generally legal in the U.S..
This is illegal in Europe, certain Canadian cities, Australia, and New Zealand (where turning left on red is banned).
6. Valentine’s Day
In the U.S., this holiday is seen as a sweet, non-controversial celebration. However, some countries prohibit Valentine’s Day celebrations because its customs clash with certain interpretations of Islam. Pakistan is one such country where celebrating it has been made illegal.
7. Wheat Thins
This popular U.S. snack is illegal in the U.K., Japan, and other parts of Europe. This is because Wheat Thins, along with certain other grain-based products, contain the preservative BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). Countries banning BHT believe it may be a carcinogen, although this is currently unproven.
8. Adultery
While most Americans don’t consider adultery morally correct, there is no law against it in most of the U.S.. Seventeen states have legislation, but it’s seldom enforced.
In contrast, adulterers in countries like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan can face harsh punishments, including possible execution.
9. Twinkies
These snack cakes are well-loved in the U.S., but not as much elsewhere. The European Union requires a warning label for Twinkies due to their yellow dyes, and they are not allowed in stores in Norway and Finland.
10. Incandescent Lightbulbs
Despite being power-hungry and having short lifespans, incandescent lightbulbs are still available in the U.S.. Many countries and regions, including Russia, Brazil, and the European Union, have banned their sale in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives.
11. Coffee-Mate
Sweet-flavored Coffee-Mate creamers are a common addition to coffee in the U.S.. However, they are banned in Austria, Hungary, and several Scandinavian countries. The reason for the ban is that they contain hydrogenated oil, a source of trans fat.
Trans fat is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Although a Coffee-Mate label may state “0 grams trans fat,” U.S. law allows this if there’s less than 0.5 grams per serving, which is easy with small serving sizes.
12. Plastic Bags
While parts of the U.S., like California and Washington, discourage single-use plastic bags with fines, they are still common in many areas.
Other countries have taken stricter action, such as China outlawing thin plastic bags and requiring compostable ones, or implementing fines and only allowing sturdy, reusable options.
13. Red Dye 3
This bright food additive is still legal and prevalent in many U.S. foods, particularly those marketed to children. However, it has been banned in Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, and California.
According to an NPR report, consuming red dye 3 is associated with significant health risks, including behavioral issues in children.
14. Mullets
While perfectly legal in the U.S., the mullet hairstyle is against the law in North Korea as part of a crackdown on “capitalist fashion”. It is also illegal in Iran, along with other Western hairstyles like ponytails.
15. Tobacco
Tobacco use is legal in the U.S. for those aged 21 or over. However, other countries are implementing stricter rules. Bhutan previously banned tobacco outright.
The United Kingdom is increasing the legal age annually to prevent younger generations from ever using tobacco, and France plans to ban e-cigarettes.
16. American-Style Milk
Much of the milk supply in America contains artificial growth hormones like rBGH or rBST. These hormones are banned in Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, Canada, and Japan.
While these countries may still import American dairy, they do not use the hormones in their domestic herds.
17. Mountain Dew
This popular U.S. soda contains an ingredient called BVO (brominated vegetable oil). Nearly thirty countries have banned BVO.
BVO contains bromine, and consuming it in large quantities can have harmful effects. According to the CDC, bromine can cause skin irritation and breathing problems.
Alicia Richards