The U.S. is known as the “Land of the Free,” and while it might be strict about some things, such as unpasteurized dairy and drinking before 21, in other areas, it is surprisingly permissive.
This list highlights just how free the U.S. truly is, covering items from food additives to fashion and even holidays.
Whether the liberty to consume certain food additives or use less energy-efficient products is a good thing is another question entirely.
But if you’re looking for a place where you can name your child after a fruit or enjoy certain snacks banned elsewhere, America fits the bill.
Here are 17 things perfectly legal in the U.S. that are banned in other parts of the world:
1: Weird Baby Names
In the U.S., parents have the freedom to name their child whatever they like, from “Apple” to “Moon Unit”. Other countries are not as permissive.
In Denmark, for example, parents must select a name from a pre-approved list, and it’s suggested that stranger American names aren’t likely to be on it.
2: Potassium Bromate
Potassium bromate, a popular bread additive, is perfectly legal in the U.S.. It is used to strengthen bread dough. However, this is not the case in European countries.
European health experts consider it toxic and a suspected carcinogen. This additive is also illegal in India and China.
3: Ketchup With School Lunch
While banning ketchup from an American school cafeteria might cause a stir, in France, ketchup is off-limits for school lunch unless it’s served specifically with fries.
French citizens are generally not big fans of the sweet tomato sauce unless accompanying fries.
4: Farm Raised Salmon
A significant amount of salmon found in U.S. grocery stores is farm-raised, including anything labeled “Atlantic salmon”.
While farm-raised salmon provides omega-3 and vitamin D, it’s not legal everywhere. American fish suppliers often add astaxanthin, a chemical that gives the fish a pink color.
However, countries like New Zealand and Australia have banned farm-raised salmon because they feel there haven’t been enough studies proving astaxanthin’s safety.
5: Turning Right on Red
Turning right on a red light is legal in the U.S.. In contrast, it is illegal in Europe and certain Canadian cities. The equivalent action, turning left on a red light, is banned in Australia and New Zealand.
There is a growing movement to make rights on red illegal in major U.S. cities, with bans already in place in much of New York and set to take effect in Washington, D.C. in 2025.
6: Valentine’s Day
Buying roses and cards to celebrate someone you love on Valentine’s Day is legal and generally seen as sweet and non-controversial in the U.S..
However, some countries view it differently. In countries like Pakistan, celebrating Valentine’s Day has been made illegal because its customs clash with certain interpretations of Islam.
7: Wheat Thins
Finding Wheat Thins crackers can be difficult in the U.K. or Japan, as the popular snack is illegal there, as well as in other parts of Europe.
This is because Wheat Thins and some other grain-based products, such as Frosted Flakes, contain a preservative called BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene).
Countries that have banned BHT believe it may be a carcinogen, although this has yet to be definitively proven.
8: Adultery
While most Americans might not consider adultery morally correct, in most parts of the U.S., there isn’t a law against it.
Although 17 states have legislation banning the practice, these laws are rarely enforced. In other countries, adulterers can face severe punishments.
In Saudi Arabia, this could mean execution. In Pakistan, a death sentence is also possible, and sometimes women reporting abuse or assault have been accused, although recent legislative changes have aimed to improve this situation.
9: Twinkies
Twinkies, which caused panic among Americans at the thought of their disappearance, are not as widely accepted elsewhere.
This is because Twinkies contain yellow dyes. The European Union requires a warning label for products containing these dyes. In Norway and Finland, Twinkies are not allowed in stores at all.
10: Incandescent Lightbulbs
Incandescent lightbulbs are legal in the U.S.. However, they are known for being power-hungry and having short lifespans, making them a less environmentally friendly lighting option.
Many countries and regions, including Russia, Brazil, and the European Union, have banned their sale, favoring more earth-friendly alternatives.
11: Coffee-Mate
Sweet-flavored Coffee-Mate creamers are legal in the U.S.. However, you won’t find them in Austria, Hungary, and several Scandinavian countries.
These countries have banned Coffee-Mate because it contains hydrogenated oil. Hydrogenated oil is a common source of trans fat. Trans fat is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
While a Coffee-Mate label might state “0 grams trans fat,” U.S. law allows this if there is less than 0.5 grams per serving. Coffee-Mate’s small serving size (one tablespoon) makes it easy to meet this requirement.
12: Plastic Bags
In some parts of the U.S., like California and Washington, using single-use plastic bags is discouraged and can result in a small fine.
However, other countries have taken stricter measures. China, for example, outlawed thin plastic bags in 2008 and required all bags to be compostable by 2022. Many other countries either fine users or permit only sturdy, reusable plastic bags.
13: Red Dye 3
Red dye 3 is a food additive that remains legal and is prevalent in many U.S. foods, particularly those marketed to children.
However, it is banned in Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union. California has also recently banned this bright-colored additive.
According to an NPR report, consuming red dye 3 is associated with significant health risks, including behavioral issues in children.
14: Mullets
The mullet hairstyle, along with other forms of “capitalist fashion,” is against the law in North Korea. Kim Jong Un’s government cracked down on mullets, skinny jeans, and nose piercings in 2021.
Mullets are also illegal in Iran, as are ponytails and other Western hairstyles. Much to the potential dismay of some, the “formal-in-front, party-in-back” haircut is still perfectly legal in the U.S..
15: Tobacco
In the U.S., tobacco use is legal for individuals aged twenty-one or over. While government warnings and public outcry have reduced its use, other parts of the world are taking stronger stances.
Bhutan had an outright ban on tobacco for several years, lifted temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The United Kingdom is raising the legal age for tobacco use each year, aiming to prevent anyone aged 14 or younger today from ever being able to legally use tobacco. France has plans to ban e-cigarettes.
16: American-Style Milk
Much of the milk supply in America contains artificial growth hormones known as rBGH or rBST. These growth hormones are banned in Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, Canada, and Japan.
While these countries prohibit the use of these hormones in their own dairy herds, they can still import American dairy products, which might contain rBST or rBGH.
17: Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew is legal in the U.S.. However, it contains an ingredient called BVO (brominated vegetable oil), which is banned in nearly thirty countries.
BVO contains bromine, a natural element found in seawater. Consuming bromine in large quantities can have harmful effects.
According to the CDC, bromine has a bleach-like smell, can irritate the skin, and cause breathing problems. In Mountain Dew, BVO functions as an emulsifier, helping the citrus acids blend smoothly.
Alicia Richards