FOOD NEWS
10 Foods Around The World That Are Banned In America
BY PETER W.Y. LEE
Haggis
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish prepared by boiling sheep organs in the animal's stomach. It’s banned in the U.S. because the FDA prohibits foods that contain lungs.
Lungs pose a high risk of transmitting foodborne viruses, hence the ban. Nevertheless, some consider sheep's lungs to be an essential ingredient for an authentic haggis experience.
Black Pudding
Black pudding is a sausage made with blood from pigs or cattle, giving it its distinctive color. The import of blood-laden foods is subject to strict FDA regulations.
Aside from the blood, this traditional British breakfast sausage often contains organs, including lungs, which automatically places it on the importation blacklist.
Casu Marzu
Casu Marzu is a Sardinian cheese banned in the U.S. that contains live maggots, which can survive the stomach's gastric acids to wreak havoc in the intestines.
The dish originates from pre-refrigeration days when hungry shepherds, devoid of other options, developed a liking for the pungent aroma and creamy texture of the infested cheese.
Raw Ackee
This fruit is banned in the U.S. because biting into a raw ackee releases an amino acid that can cause vomiting, affect blood pressure, and potentially even cause death.
When properly prepared, ackee’s toxins are removed, and it’s safe to eat. Ackee is Jamaica’s national fruit and its mild, creamy flavor pairs well with salted fish or pork dishes.
Ortolan
Ortolan is a migratory songbird that is considered a delicacy in French cuisine. The dish is banned in the U.S. due to the inhumane treatment of the birds and over-hunting.
Captured in Western Europe during the summer, ortolans are kept in the dark and force-fed grains and figs until they’ve doubled in size before being drowned in Armagnac brandy.