What’s perfectly legal in the U.S. might raise eyebrows or even face outright bans elsewhere in the world.
From popular snack foods and baby names to driving habits and personal care products, the list of things that are legal in the U.S. but banned abroad is surprisingly long.
While Americans may enjoy the freedom to choose what they eat, wear, or name their kids, other nations prioritize safety, tradition, or cultural norms.
Here are 17 fascinating examples of items and practices that are welcomed in America but forbidden in many other countries:
1: Weird Baby Names
In the U.S., parents have the freedom to name their child anything they please, from Apple to Moon Unit. However, some countries are not as permissive.
In Denmark, for example, parents must choose a name from a pre-approved list. The source notes that it’s likely the stranger American names are not on this list.
2: Potassium Bromate
You might notice differences in bread abroad. In the U.S., potassium bromate, a popular bread additive, is perfectly legal.
However, this is not the case in European countries. European health experts consider it toxic and a suspected carcinogen, although it strengthens bread dough. It is also illegal in India and China.
3: Ketchup With School Lunch
Banning ketchup in an American school cafeteria would likely cause a student revolt. In France, however, ketchup is off-limits at school unless served specifically with fries.
While ketchup is a staple in the U.S., French citizens aren’t typically fans of the sweet tomato sauce unless it accompanies fries.
4: Farm Raised Salmon
Much of the salmon sold in U.S. grocery stores is farm-raised, including anything labeled Atlantic salmon. While farm-raised salmon is a good source of omega-3 and vitamin D, it’s not legal everywhere.
To make farm-raised fish appear pink like wild-caught, American purveyors add astaxanthin. Countries like New Zealand and Australia ban it due to concerns about safety studies.
5: Turning Right on Red
Turning right on a red light is legal in most of the U.S.. In contrast, this practice is illegal in Europe and certain Canadian cities.
The equivalent, turning left on red, is banned in Australia and New Zealand. There’s a growing movement to ban rights on red in major U.S. cities, with bans already in place in parts of New York and set for Washington, D.C. by 2025.
6: Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day, with its focus on roses and cards for loved ones, seems sweet and non-controversial. However, some countries view it differently.
Valentine’s Day customs clash with certain interpretations of Islam. Consequently, countries like Pakistan have made celebrating Valentine’s Day illegal.
7: Wheat Thins
Finding Wheat Thins crackers in places like the U.K. or Japan would be a disappointment, as the popular snack is illegal there and in other parts of Europe.
Wheat Thins and certain other grain products contain the preservative BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). Countries banning BHT believe it may be a carcinogen, although this is not yet proven.
8: Adultery
Most Americans don’t view adultery as morally correct, but there’s generally no law against it in the U.S..
Although 17 states have laws banning the practice, these laws are rarely enforced. In contrast, other countries have harsh punishments for adultery.
In Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, adulterers could face execution, although legislation changes in Pakistan have aimed to improve this situation.
9: Twinkies
The potential disappearance of Twinkies caused panic in America. However, these snacks are not as popular globally.
The reason for this is that Twinkies contain yellow dyes. The European Union requires a warning label because of these dyes. In Norway and Finland, Twinkies are not allowed in stores at all.
10: Incandescent Lightbulbs
Incandescent lightbulbs are a great invention, but they are also power-hungry and have short lifespans, making them less environmentally friendly.
For this reason, many countries and regions have banned their sale in favor of more earth-friendly options. These include Russia, Brazil, and the European Union.
11: Coffee-Mate
In countries like Austria, Hungary, and several Scandinavian nations, you won’t find sweet-flavored Coffee-Mate creamers for your coffee. These countries have banned the substance because it contains hydrogenated oil.
Hydrogenated oil is a source of trans fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. American labels can claim “0 grams trans fat” if there’s less than 0.5 grams per serving.
12: Plastic Bags
In parts of the U.S., like California and Washington, there are fines for using single-use plastic bags.
Other countries have gone further, with China outlawing thin plastic bags in 2008 and requiring compostable bags by 2022. Many countries implement fines for plastic bag use or only permit sturdy, reusable options.
13: Red Dye 3
Red Dye 3 is a food additive that is banned in Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union. California has also recently banned it.
According to a report mentioned in the source, consuming Red Dye 3 carries significant health risks, including behavioral issues in children. Despite this, it remains legal and common in many U.S. foods marketed to children.
14: Mullets
Mullets and other “capitalist fashion” styles are 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, along with ponytails and other Western hairstyles. Much to the dismay of some, the mullet haircut is still perfectly legal in the U.S..
15: Tobacco
Warning labels and public outcry have reduced tobacco use globally. In the U.S., tobacco use is legal for those twenty-one and over.
Other parts of the world are changing this. Bhutan previously banned tobacco outright. The U.K. plans to raise the legal age yearly to prevent children 14 or younger 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 growth hormones are banned in countries including Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, Canada, and Japan.
While countries with bans can import American dairy, they cannot use the hormones in their domestic herds.
17: Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew contains brominated vegetable oil (BVO), an ingredient banned in nearly thirty countries. BVO contains bromine, a natural element.
However, consuming it in large amounts can be harmful. Bromine can irritate skin and cause breathing problems. In Mountain Dew, BVO acts as an emulsifier to blend the citrus acids evenly.
Alicia Richards