Most large grocery stores in the United States are packed with a variety of foods from all over the world, allowing people to purchase produce that may not be in season locally and explore cuisine from different countries. However, some foods are actually illegal in the U.S., requiring individuals to seek them out in other places.
One such food is Ackee fruit, Jamaica’s national dish, which is only available in the U.S. in frozen or canned form due to the presence of a toxin called hypoglycin. Sassafras oil, containing a carcinogenic compound called safrole, is also banned in the U.S. despite the safe nature of sassafras itself.
Delicacies like foie gras, haggis, and black pudding face legality issues in certain states due to concerns about animal cruelty or foodborne illness risks. Other dishes such as ortolan, casu marzu, Kinder Surprise eggs, shark fins, and fugu are also prohibited in the U.S. for various reasons, ranging from conservation efforts to health hazards.
While these foods may be enjoyed in other parts of the world, they remain off-limits for consumption in the United States. Explore the unique culinary landscape of other countries to discover these forbidden delicacies.
