You might think that the food in your grocery basket is safe to eat. But you may be in for an unpleasant surprise. Some of the products currently used in foods in the U.S. can’t be consumed in other countries due to regulatory restrictions. These include the ingredients contained in many popular American products.
Read on to find out more.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
BVO is commonly used in the production of beverages such as Mountain Dew. It’s used to keep the flavor of the fruit from separating from the rest of the drink. BVO contains bromine, which can cause various health issues such as memory loss and skin irritation. Although it’s not illegal to use BVO in the U.S., it’s been banned in several other countries.
Potassium Bromate
This chemical is commonly used as an oxidizing agent in the baking industry. According to a scientific review, potassium bromate is a cheap and effective dough improver. However, it can also cause cancer in rodents. Despite being banned in other regions, potassium bromate has FDA approval.
Color Dyes
Food manufacturers in the U.S. use various colors to make their products look more appetizing. But some European countries don’t permit the use of them in their food.
For instance, if you buy a bag of M&M’s in Europe, it contains natural food colors instead of artificial dyes. These synthetic hues are also commonly used in sports beverages and other soft drinks.
Do Your Research
Even though the FDA does a great job of protecting the health of consumers, some of its approved products have been found to be harmful by other countries. It’s essential to do your research to determine what products you should stay away from.
