Foods That Have Been Banned Throughout History
Food has always been subject to rules and prohibitions, whether for religious, political, or public health reasons. Throughout history, various foods have been banned for different reasons, and some still carry restrictions today. Let's explore some of these foods that were, at some point, forbidden.
1. Absinthe – The Forbidden Green Fairy
(Photo - Chris F: https://www.pexels.com/pt-br/foto/garrafas-de-vinho-sortidas-1283219/)This high-proof alcoholic beverage, popular among 19th-century artists and writers, was banned in several countries, including the United States and France. Absinthe was believed to cause hallucinations and encourage violent behavior, leading to its prohibition for nearly a century.
2. Tomato – The 'Poison' of Europe
(Photo: Arina Krasnikova: https://www.pexels.com/pt-br/foto/frutas-vermelhas-de-tomate-em-fotografia-de-close-up-6316521/)
In the 16th century, when tomatoes arrived in Europe from the Americas, many believed they were poisonous. This was because aristocrats who ate them on pewter plates exhibited symptoms of lead poisoning. As a result, tomatoes were avoided for a long time and only became popular in European cuisine centuries later.
3. Foie Gras – A Culinary Controversy
Foie gras, a French delicacy made from the liver of ducks or geese, has been banned in various places due to its production method, which involves force-feeding the birds. Countries like the United Kingdom and cities like New York have already implemented restrictions on its sale.
4. Potato – The Suspicious Root
Now one of the world's most consumed foods, potatoes were banned in some European countries during the 16th and 17th centuries. In France, for example, people believed potatoes caused leprosy, and their consumption was discouraged until pharmacist Antoine-Augustin Parmentier proved their safety and promoted their use.
5. Haggis – The Scottish Dish Banned in the U.S.
Haggis, a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s offal, was banned in the United States in 1971 due to the use of the animal's lungs in its preparation. To this day, the original version cannot be sold in the U.S., leading to recipe adaptations.
6. Raw Milk – The Food Safety Debate
In several countries, including the United States, the sale of unpasteurized milk is either banned or heavily regulated. Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria, making its commercialization a topic of debate between natural food enthusiasts and health authorities.
7. Sassafras – From Tea to Ban
The sassafras plant, used to make tea and as an ingredient in traditional root beer, was banned in the U.S. due to the presence of safrole, a potentially carcinogenic compound. Today, some versions of the drink use safrole-free extracts to comply with regulations.
8. Fugu Fish – Japan’s Deadly Delicacy
Fugu, a highly poisonous fish, is banned in several countries due to the fatal risk of poisoning if not prepared correctly. In Japan, only highly trained chefs are legally allowed to handle it, ensuring consumer safety.
9. Horse Meat – A Cultural and Ethical Issue
In countries like the U.S. and the U.K., eating horse meat is banned or highly regulated due to cultural and animal welfare concerns. However, in parts of Europe and Asia, it remains a part of traditional cuisine.
10. Ketchup – The French School Ban
Although not completely banned, ketchup was prohibited in French schools in 2011 to preserve the authenticity of local cuisine. The measure aimed to prevent students from replacing traditional sauces with ketchup in classic French dishes.
These are just a few examples of foods that, for various reasons, have faced or still face restrictions. Some of these bans have been lifted over time, while others remain in place. Have you ever tried any of these foods? What do you think of these restrictions?
Sources:
Why the Tomato Was Feared in Europe for More Than 200 Years | Smithsonian)
The Devil in a Little Green Bottle: A History of Absinthe | Science History Institute
Inside haggis: The secrets of Scotland’s national dish | CNN
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