6 British Products That Are Surprisingly Banned in Other Countries (Here’s Why)

26 June 2025

Connor Banks

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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

A brown haggis on a dark plate with a spoon resting beside it on a woven mat. Two glasses with amber liquid in the blurred background.

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

Kinder Surprise egg leaning against a white candle on a beige surface. Soft focus background with neutral tones.

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

Cow with yellow ear tags in field, looking at camera under a clear blue sky with scattered white clouds. Bright, calm setting.

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 jar with yellow lid labeled "Elton John Limited Edition" on patterned surface, spotlighted against a dark background.

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

Cute pink-eared figure sits atop a creamy dessert in a hand. Urban street with soft lights in the blurry background. Playful mood.

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.

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How TikTok Got Started

TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, made its international debut in September 2017. However, its origins can be traced back to Douyin, an app launched in China in September 2016. Initially, Douyin was primarily focused on the Chinese market, allowing users to create and share short video clips, typically lasting 15 to 60 seconds. The app swiftly gained popularity within China, garnering millions of users and challenging the dominance of other social media giants like WeChat and Weibo.

In 2018, Douyin was rebranded as "TikTok" for the global audience, marking its expansion onto the international stage. This transition allowed TikTok to adapt to the unique preferences and cultural nuances of users from various regions worldwide, effectively making it a global sensation.

The Vine Connection

For those who remember Vine, an app that allowed users to create and share 6-second video loops, TikTok might seem like a spiritual successor. Vine paved the way for short-form video content and established the groundwork for the success of TikTok. TikTok expanded upon Vine's concept, offering more tools, features, and a user-friendly interface, thus capturing a broader audience.

TikTok's massive popularity is primarily driven by Generation Z and millennials, who embrace its short, engaging videos. The platform's algorithm tailors content to individual preferences, ensuring that users continually discover fresh, captivating content, making it a go-to source of entertainment for these younger demographics. Its intuitive, swipe-driven user interface and vast library of effects and music tracks add to its appeal, making it a highly engaging platform.

The Business Perspective

TikTok has become a powerful marketing tool for businesses. Here's how TikTok is beneficial for companies looking to engage with their audience:

Creativity and Authenticity: TikTok encourages creativity and authenticity. Companies can connect with their audience through genuine, relatable content, often featuring behind-the-scenes glimpses and employee stories. This genuine approach helps build trust and a sense of authenticity that resonates with TikTok's user base.

Trend Capitalization: TikTok trends spread like wildfire, and businesses can jump on these trends to increase their visibility and engagement. By participating in popular challenges or using trending music, brands can create a viral marketing moment, increasing their reach and impact.

Influencer Collaborations: TikTok influencers have massive followings and can effectively promote products and services. Collaborating with influencers can help businesses reach a broader audience and build trust with their target market. The inherent authenticity of TikTok makes influencer endorsements all the more powerful.

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