The food we eat every day plays a big role in our health, but how often do we stop to think about what's really in it? Most people grab items off the shelves without ever looking at the ingredients. Just the other day, I was in the grocery store picking up frozen blueberries for my children. As I walked down the aisle, I noticed a woman adding pre-made potato salad to her cart. She never once turned the container around to check what was in it. Looking at the other items in her basket, it was clear that most of them were heavily processed and full of preservatives. It made me wonder: how many of us do the same thing without thinking twice?
Why don’t we question what’s in our food, especially when it’s prepackaged? Right now, food recalls in the United States are becoming more common. At the same time, many countries around the world refuse to accept American food products because of the chemicals in them. These chemicals, found in everyday items, have been linked to illnesses that doctors often cannot explain. So why aren’t we reading labels? Why aren’t we asking more questions about what we’re putting in our bodies?
List of Preservatives Banned in Other Countries but Allowed in the U.S.
Potassium Bromate: Used as a flour improver in bread-making, potassium bromate is classified as a possible human carcinogen. It is banned in the European Union, Canada, Brazil, and several other countries but remains legal in the U.S.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): Employed as an emulsifier in citrus-flavored soft drinks, BVO contains bromine, which can accumulate in the body and potentially lead to health issues. It is banned in Japan and the European Union but is still used in some U.S. beverages.
Azodicarbonamide (ADA): Commonly used as a dough conditioner in baked goods, ADA has been linked to respiratory issues. It is banned in the European Union and Australia but is permitted in the U.S.
Ractopamine: A feed additive used to promote leanness in pigs and cattle, ractopamine is banned in over 160 countries, including those in the European Union, China, and Russia, due to concerns about its effects on human health. However, it is still used in U.S. meat production.
Artificial Food Dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6): These synthetic colorings have been linked to hyperactivity and behavioral issues in children. The European Union requires warning labels on products containing these dyes, and some countries have banned specific dyes altogether. In contrast, they are widely used in the U.S.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT): These preservatives are used to prevent fats in foods from becoming rancid. BHA is listed as a possible human carcinogen, and both BHA and BHT are banned in Japan and parts of the European Union but are still permitted in the U.S.
Propylparaben: Used as a preservative in various foods, propylparaben has been linked to endocrine disruption. It is banned in the European Union but allowed in the U.S.
Titanium Dioxide: Employed as a whitening agent in products like candies and baked goods, titanium dioxide has been associated with potential health risks. It is banned in the European Union but remains in use in the U.S.
Olestra: A fat substitute used in some snack foods, olestra has been linked to gastrointestinal issues. It is banned in Canada and the European Union but is still allowed in the U.S.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): While not a single additive, GMOs are subject to strict regulations or bans in many countries due to environmental and health concerns. In the U.S., GMOs are widely used in agriculture and food production.
In today's world, we all have access to information at our fingertips. It only takes a few seconds to pull out a phone, look up an ingredient we don’t recognize, and find out what it does to our bodies. That’s not paranoia—that’s intelligence. If we are feeding our families these foods, shouldn’t we care about what’s in them? The truth is, illnesses have increased ever since people stopped cooking from scratch. We no longer take the time to bake and prepare meals the way past generations did. Instead, we put our trust in food manufacturers, assuming they care about our health. But do they?
The rise of diet-related diseases is no accident. The food industry, along with pharmaceutical companies, profits from sickness. The more people rely on medication, the more money these companies make. It’s not much different from a street hustler selling drugs—if people stay dependent, they keep coming back for more. Many of the foods sold today are not like the foods of the past. Even something as simple as water has changed. Decades ago, people didn’t buy bottled water because clean water was always available. Now, we have to question whether our drinking water is safe. If the world is rejecting U.S. food products, shouldn’t we ask why?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. serves as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President Donald Trump's administration. He was nominated for this position in November 2024 and subsequently confirmed by the Senate. This is where Robert F. Kennedy Jr. steps into the conversation. His approach to food safety and health policies has sparked national debate. He strongly opposes the use of harmful chemicals and additives in the food industry, pushing for better transparency and higher safety standards. His stance challenges big corporations that have long controlled what we consume without much resistance. Kennedy’s push for change is a sign that people are waking up to the dangers of modern food production.
We have to take responsibility for our own health. That starts with reading labels, questioning ingredients, and making informed choices. It’s not about being paranoid—it’s about being aware. If we don’t care about what’s in our food, who will? The truth is, no one will protect our families better than we can. Taking an extra few seconds to check what we’re eating isn’t difficult, but ignoring it could cost us our health in the long run.
How to Eat to Live Books 1 and 2 by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad offers profound guidance on healthy eating, fasting, and living a disciplined lifestyle. These books emphasize the importance of natural foods, the dangers of processed and unhealthy options, and how diet impacts overall well-being.
For those interested, you can visit www.noi.org to get your official copy. These books are essential resources for anyone looking to improve their health and longevity through proper nutrition and fasting. Everyone should have them on their bookshelf as a guide to better living!
References:
CBS News. U.S. Food Additives Banned in Europe Making Americans Sick, Expert Says.
GoodRx. American Foods Banned in Other Countries.
Levels Health. Seven Additives in Our Processed Food That Are Banned in Other Countries. Link
Wikipedia. Ractopamine.
Is It Clean. Wake Up America: Your Food is Banned in 30 Countries.
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