MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Skittles, Ritz crackers, Wheat Thins, and Pop-Tarts.
They're popular snacks sold in almost every U.S. grocery store that you probably don't think twice about eating - but they’re banned in many countries.
You may have seen videos on social media about popular foods here in America that are regulated or outright illegal overseas.
From baguettes to brioche, Europe is famous for its bread.
But there's one ingredient missing that's in most loaves in the U.S.
"Potassium bromate makes bread rise," Ayanna Campbell, a nutrition behavior strategist and registered dietitian at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Desoto said. "It's been linked with respiratory issues and cancer as well."
Potassium bromate is a suspected carcinogen that was banned in most European countries in 1990, but is still legal in the U.S.
And that's not the only ingredient.
Snacks like Skittles , Pop-Tarts, Gatorade and Little Debbie Cakes must contain warning labels in the European Union because of dyes like Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Red 40, which are chemicals that have been linked to ADHD in children
Coffee Mate, Ritz crackers and Pillsbury biscuits are banned in Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Denmark, Norway and Iceland for trans fats -- which have been proven to increase the risk of heart disease.
The European Union also bans all products containing titanium dioxide – which is used to make food shiny and more colorful.
It's often found in products like candy and coffee creamer.
"The tricky part is there are lots of additives often in processed food," Campbell said.
So why do European countries seem to take a much more cautious approach to food safety while the FDA allows these chemicals?
Campbell says it's a tough question to answer.
"So you have the EPA and the FDA, she said. "I think some things are in place, but I think things kind of fly under the radar sometimes."
Campbell says many people don't think about what's going into their foods.
"I think the world has changed into this convenience laden everything," she said. "Many of the jobs that we work and just the lifestyles they have you on the go, go, go."
Campbell suggests trying your best to reduce the amount of processed foods you eat.
"Check the label," she said. "If there are a bunch of ingredients you can’t pronounce, that’s a good indicator that the item is highly processed. I think overall it can feel a little overwhelming. And so for the vast majority of us, I think the best thing we can do is try to make healthful decisions, eat as close to nature as possible."
And the simple rule she follows?
"It is a lot easier said than done. But fresh fruits and vegetables, oils, cooking at home, like getting back to being in the kitchen with you and your family," she said. "I think that'll solve a lot of issues."
Even though some of those food additives are banned in other countries, the FDA considers them safe. Chemicals are not banned only for safety reasons, sometimes economics, trade and politics are involved.
It's worth noting there are some food additives that are banned in the u-s that other countries consider safe.
Either way, nutritionists will tell you we'd all be better off eating fewer processed foods.
