6 British Products That Are Surprisingly Banned in Other Countries (Here’s Why)
- Connor Banks
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
From haggis and Marmite to Kinder Eggs, there are everyday British staples that raise eyebrows (and red tape) overseas. Some of these familiar items are considered risky, unhealthy, or just plain illegal in countries like the USA and Canada, even though they’re part of everyday life in the UK.
Here are six things that are completely normal in Britain — but are either banned, heavily restricted, or controversial abroad.
1. Haggis – Off the Menu in the USA
Haggis may be divisive, but for many Scots (and those who appreciate a bit of tradition), it’s part of the national identity. Made from minced sheep offal — including lungs, which is the sticking point here — haggis has been banned in the US since 1971.
The US Department of Agriculture considers sheep lungs unsafe due to the potential risk of contamination during slaughter. Even though millions of people in the UK eat it without issue, American regulations err on the side of caution. So if you're wondering, "Can you bring haggis into the US?" The answer is no.
2. Kinder Surprise – A No-Go in the States
Yes, really. Those little chocolate eggs with the plastic toy inside are illegal in the US. According to FDA regulations, food products cannot contain non-edible embedded objects, due to choking hazards for children.
While they’ve got a separate version called Kinder Joy (which splits the toy and chocolate into two compartments), it lacks the charm of the original. So if you're searching "Why are Kinder Eggs banned in the US?" It's all about safety laws.
3. Raw Milk – A Legal Grey Area Abroad
In Britain, raw (or unpasteurised) milk is a niche but legal product, often sold at farm shops or directly from dairies. It’s appreciated for its richness and flavour, and seen by some as a more "natural" option.
However, in many US states, Canada, and other countries, raw milk is either banned or tightly regulated. Public health authorities warn about the risks of bacterial contamination, including Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella.
So while it’s legal and available in the UK under certain conditions, in the US, it’s largely treated as a public health risk.
4. Marmite – Once Banned in Denmark
Marmite is a uniquely British staple. But in Denmark, it was temporarily removed from shelves in 2011 because of its added vitamins and minerals, which hadn’t been pre-approved under Danish food regulations.
It wasn’t banned due to any direct health risk; it simply didn’t meet bureaucratic requirements. So, "Is Marmite banned in Denmark?" Technically, it was, though it can now be found in limited quantities.
5. Irn-Bru (Original Recipe) – Banned in Canada
Scotland’s iconic bright-orange soft drink, Irn-Bru, used to contain a synthetic dye called Ponceau 4R (E124). While permitted in the UK, it’s banned in Canada due to concerns about hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions.
Though Irn-Bru has since been reformulated, the original recipe remains banned. So if you’re Googling "Is Irn-Bru banned in Canada?" — the answer is yes, at least in its original form.
6. Toys Inside Food – Not Allowed in the USA
The US really doesn’t like surprises in its food, especially if they’re small plastic toys. Beyond Kinder Surprise eggs, any food product that contains a hidden non-edible object is considered a choking hazard and banned by the FDA.
So even if something passes UK and EU safety regulations, in America it’s a no-go. That includes novelty sweets or promotional snacks with toys hidden inside.
It’s interesting how the same everyday product can be perfectly acceptable in one country and completely banned in another. Whether it’s due to food safety concerns, bureaucratic red tape, or simply different cultural norms, these bans show just how subjective "safe" can be.
So if you're travelling or posting a parcel abroad, it’s worth double-checking what’s allowed. That jar of Marmite or humble Kinder egg might just be contraband where you’re headed.
