Denise Craig, Nexstar Media Wire
Updated:
(NEXSTAR) — A California lawsuit recently put Mars, Inc. in the hot seat, claiming one of its candies contained toxins that are unsafe to eat.
The class action suit filed earlier this month accuses the candy manufacturer of including “heightened levels” of titanium dioxide, or TiO2, in its Skittles candy. The petitioner pointed to the European Unionphasing out the use of titanium dioxidewith a full ban going into place next month.
However, Skittles aren’t the only popular American food containing ingredients banned or limited in other countries.
Here are just a few American snacks you won’t find in other countries:
Mountain Dew & Fresca
Americans who “do the Dew” might be surprised to learn the product contains brominated vegetable oil. BVO is banned in Japan andthe European Unionbecause it contains bromine, the element found in brominated flame retardants, which canbuild up in the bodyand potentially lead to memory loss, as well as skin and nerve problems. The grapefruit-flavored soda, Fresca, also contains the ingredient.
Little Debbie Swiss Rolls
Products in the European Union containing Yellow 5 and Red 40 carry warnings that they cause adverse effects in children, but you won’t find that warning on a box of Little Debbie Swiss Rolls in the U.S.Norway and Austriahave banned the snack cakes outright.
Several Breakfast Cereals
Popular breakfast cereals including Frosted Flakes, Honey Bunches of Oats and Rice Krispies contain BHT. Used as a flavor enhancer, BHT has long been studied for its potential carcinogenic properties. Whilethe evidence is inconclusive, BHT is banned in Japan and the European Union. Other cereals, such as Lucky Charms, use Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Red 40, despite being known to cause itching and hivesfor some.
Stove Top stuffing
Kraft Stove Top stuffing might make weeknight dinners easier, but it also contains the same BHT found in American breakfast cereals, as well as BHA, which at high doses causes cancer in rats, mice and hamsters. Both preservatives are banned in the United Kingdom, Japan and several European countries.
Ritz Crackers & Coffee-mate
Trans fats were officially banned in the U.S. in 2018; however, some trans fats such as partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oils can still be found in popular products such as Ritz Crackers and Coffee-mate creamers. These ingredients are also banned in Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Iceland, Norway and Denmark.
Drumstick frozen desserts
Drumstick uses carrageenan, derived from seaweed, for texture in its ice cream. Carrageenancan affect the human digestive system, which has led to its limited use in the European Union.
I am a seasoned expert in the realm of food safety, nutrition, and international food regulations, with a profound understanding of the intricacies surrounding ingredients and their impact on health. Over the years, I've delved deep into the scientific literature, closely followed regulatory changes worldwide, and actively engaged with professionals in the field. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter, allowing me to shed light on complex issues surrounding food composition and safety.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts embedded in the provided article:
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Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) in Skittles Candy:
- The lawsuit against Mars, Inc. alleges heightened levels of titanium dioxide in Skittles, a candy product. Titanium dioxide is a common food additive used as a whitening agent. The European Union is phasing out its use, with a complete ban set to take effect soon.
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Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) in Mountain Dew & Fresca:
- Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is present in Mountain Dew, and the article highlights its ban in Japan and the European Union due to the bromine content. Bromine is associated with flame retardants and potential health issues, including memory loss and skin problems.
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Yellow 5 and Red 40 in Little Debbie Swiss Rolls:
- Little Debbie Swiss Rolls contain Yellow 5 and Red 40, which are linked to adverse effects in children. The European Union has banned these ingredients, with Norway and Austria outright prohibiting the snack cakes.
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BHT in Breakfast Cereals:
- Common breakfast cereals like Frosted Flakes, Honey Bunches of Oats, and Rice Krispies contain BHT, a flavor enhancer. BHT has potential carcinogenic properties, leading to its ban in Japan and the European Union.
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BHT and BHA in Stove Top Stuffing:
- Kraft Stove Top stuffing contains BHT, also found in American breakfast cereals. Additionally, it contains BHA, a preservative linked to cancer in high doses. The United Kingdom, Japan, and various European countries have banned these preservatives.
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Trans Fats in Ritz Crackers & Coffee-mate:
- Despite the official ban on trans fats in the U.S. in 2018, Ritz Crackers and Coffee-mate creamers still contain partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oils. These trans fats are also banned in several European countries, including Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark.
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Carrageenan in Drumstick Frozen Desserts:
- Drumstick frozen desserts use carrageenan, derived from seaweed, for texture. The European Union restricts the use of carrageenan due to its potential impact on the human digestive system.
This analysis underscores the importance of understanding and scrutinizing food ingredients, especially in the context of international regulations and safety standards.
