Top 10 Things That Are Banned In America

From consuming certain fruits from other countries to collecting rainwater, the USA has gone to great measures to prohibit some strange things that may surprise you. Today we’re sharing 10 things that are banned in America.

10: Old Children’s Books are Banned in America

US Congress passed a law that banned stores from selling any children’s books printed before 1985. This ban was created after lawmakers feared many old books were printed with ink that contained lead. Ingesting lead can cause lead poisoning, brain damage, and even death. Publishers and printing companies have to comply with these new safety standards to ensure the new wave of children’s books is safe and lead-free.

9: Collecting Rainwater

Rainwater may be one of the most natural, uncontaminated sources of drinking water, it’s just too bad the US has banned the collection of rainwater in many states. Lawmakers claim that once the rain hits the ground, it fuels rivers and federally-owned underground reservoirs. So, if you collect rainwater on your own, you’re essentially stealing from the government and you can pay some major consequences.

8: Haggis is Banned in America

A traditional Scottish dish called Haggis is minced meat made of sheep’s livers, hearts, and lungs has been banned in the United States since 1971. Scottish-Americans have tried desperately to get this law reversed but America isn’t budging. In the US, eating sheep’s organs is forbidden because it increases the risk of disease transmission.

7: Ephedra

In the early 2000s, America went crazy over Ephedra, an ancient Chinese herb that assists in rapid weight loss. In 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration banned the buying and selling of any dietary supplements containing ephedra. Although people lost massive amounts of weight, the ingredient had some serious side effects, including stroke, heart attack, liver failure, and death.

6: Kinder Eggs are Banned in America

Kinder Eggs are chocolate candy that contains a hidden toy inside but if you’re in America, you will never be able to taste this delicious treat. The FDA believes the candy is just too dangerous to be consumed by children. The US claims the small toy inside the chocolate egg can be a choking hazard, and they’re probably right.

5: Absinthe

In Europe, bar patrons can frequently enjoy an alcoholic beverage called Absinthe. With 45% to 74% alcohol, it exceeds America’s maximum allowed alcohol content. Drinking too much Absinthe won’t just get you wasted. It has also been known to cause hallucinations, muscle spasms, and even seizures.

4: Shark Fins are Banned in America

Shark fins are a Chinese delicacy that’s used as the main ingredient in soups but many states in the US think this dish is a major no-no. In states such as California, Hawaii, Delaware, New York, and Oregon, they view the way shark fins are collected as inhumane. Once the fins are removed, the sharks are placed back in the ocean where they suffer an agonizing death. Some sharks starve to death, others are eaten alive by other fish and some drown because, without their fins, they’re unable to keep moving to force water through their gills.

3: Sassafras Oil

The Sassafras tree is now endangered due to decades of being destroyed just to retrieve a tiny amount of its oil. The oil was primarily used for cooking and medicinal purposes, but it’s also used as a major component in the party drug MDMA. Since 1960, Sassafras oil has been completely banned from the US because it has been shown to cause cancer, vomiting, and liver damage.

2: Unpasteurized Milk is Banned in America

Number 2 on our list of things banned in America is unpasteurized milk. The rest of the world is free to drink as much unpasteurized milk as their heart desires but most states in the US have banned the sale of raw milk entirely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked raw milk to various illnesses and outbreaks, including E. coli and salmonella. So, maybe banning unpasteurized milk isn’t such a bad thing after all.

1: Ackee Fruit

Ackee fruit may be delicious but it can also be deadly. The rind and seeds in a raw version of this traditional Jamaican fruit contain toxins. These toxins can block the body’s ability to produce an extra supply of glucose, resulting in low blood sugar levels. Consuming raw fruit can also cause a disease called Jamaican Vomiting Sickness, seizures, and potentially death. Instead of running the risk of millions of Americans getting sick, the US has banned most imports of fresh ackee. You can still purchase the fruit in specialty stores if it’s canned or frozen.

Bonus Fact: Flag Clothing are Banned in America

Do you know? The flag clothing you’re buying for July 4th is technically illegal and banned in America.

So, these were the 10 things that are banned in America. Were you shocked by this list of things banned in America? React in the comments section below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Newsletters, so you never miss another list.