Food safety regulations in the UK are some of the strictest in the world, and hopefully, it will stay that way.
We’ve decided to ban certain ingredients and products that are still legal elsewhere, while some of these bans may seem excessive, they exist for good reason — whether to protect public health, uphold high animal welfare standards, or prevent the use of questionable additives. From hormone-treated meat to artificial food dyes, here are some of the key foods that remain banned in the UK and why they’re kept off supermarket shelves.
1. Chlorinated chicken
Chlorinated chicken has been banned here for years, and for good reason. In some countries, particularly the US, chicken is washed in chlorine to kill bacteria. While this might sound hygienic, it’s actually used to compensate for lower animal welfare and food hygiene standards during the farming process. The UK prioritises higher welfare standards and stricter regulations on how poultry is raised (though there were some major worries this would change after Brexit). Instead of relying on chemical washes, British farms focus on preventing contamination in the first place. The ban ensures that consumers aren’t exposed to potentially unsafe processing methods and helps maintain higher food safety standards overall.
2. Hormone-treated beef
Beef treated with artificial growth hormones is another food that won’t be making its way onto our supermarket shelves anytime soon. Some countries allow cattle to be injected with hormones to speed up growth and increase meat production. However, concerns over potential links to health issues, including hormone imbalances and cancer risks, have kept it firmly banned here. British beef is held to strict safety and animal welfare standards, ensuring that meat is produced naturally without artificial growth enhancers. By keeping hormone-treated beef out of the country, consumers can have greater confidence in the quality and safety of our food.
3. Genetically modified (GM) crops
Unlike some countries where genetically modified crops are widely used, the UK has remained cautious about their long-term effects on health and the environment. While some GM foods are permitted under strict EU and UK regulations, many genetically modified crops remain banned due to concerns about biodiversity, pesticide resistance, and potential health risks. The UK government has been reviewing regulations on genetic technology, but for now, most GM crops remain off the table. Instead, British farmers focus on natural breeding techniques to enhance crop yield and resistance while maintaining stricter food safety standards.
4. Ractopamine-fed pork
Ractopamine is a feed additive used in some countries to promote lean muscle growth in pigs, but it’s banned in the UK due to safety concerns. Studies have suggested that ractopamine can cause adverse effects in both animals and humans, including increased heart rate, stress in livestock, and potential health risks for consumers. British pork producers follow stricter guidelines that prioritise both food safety and animal welfare. The ban on ractopamine ensures that pork products sold in the UK are free from potentially harmful additives, which gives consumers peace of mind about what they’re eating.
5. Artificial food dyes linked to hyperactivity
Some artificial food colourings, particularly those linked to hyperactivity in children, are either banned or require warning labels in the UK. Colours such as Red 40 and Yellow 5, commonly used in sweets and soft drinks in other countries, have been restricted due to studies linking them to behavioural issues and allergic reactions. Instead of artificial dyes, many manufacturers here use natural colourings derived from plants and vegetables. This ensures that food remains visually appealing without the potential health risks associated with synthetic additives.
6. Potassium bromate in bread
Potassium bromate is used in some countries to strengthen bread dough and improve texture, but it’s banned in the UK due to its potential carcinogenic effects. Studies have suggested that consuming potassium bromate may increase the risk of cancer, leading many health organisations to call for its removal from food products. British bakeries use alternative dough improvers that are considered safer, ensuring that bread remains high quality without unnecessary health risks. This ban helps protect consumers from potentially harmful chemical additives in everyday foods.
7. Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in soft drinks
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) was once used in fizzy drinks to help keep citrus flavouring evenly distributed, but it has been banned in the UK for years. Research has linked BVO to neurological and hormonal issues, as well as concerns about its effects on the thyroid and reproductive health. Most British soft drinks now use safer emulsifiers and stabilisers instead of BVO. The ban ensures that popular beverages remain free from unnecessary chemicals that could pose health risks over time.
8. Azodicarbonamide in processed foods
Azodicarbonamide, also known as the “yoga mat chemical,” is banned here due to its use in both food production and industrial materials. It was previously used as a flour bleaching agent in some countries, but studies raised concerns about its potential to cause respiratory issues and increase cancer risks. British regulations ensure that flour and baked goods don’t contain unnecessary additives that could harm consumers. The ban on azodicarbonamide keeps processed foods safer while promoting the use of more natural ingredients.
9. Farmed salmon containing artificial colourants
In some countries, farmed salmon is given synthetic astaxanthin to make its flesh appear more pink, mimicking the natural colour of wild salmon. However, the UK has strict regulations on artificial additives in farmed fish, ensuring that colourants used are safe for human consumption. Instead of relying on synthetic dyes, British farmed salmon is fed a diet that naturally enhances its colour. This ensures that consumers aren’t unknowingly consuming artificial chemicals just to make their food look more appealing.
10. Antibiotic-laden meat
In many parts of the world, antibiotics are routinely given to livestock to promote growth and prevent disease in overcrowded conditions. However, overuse of antibiotics in food production has been linked to antibiotic resistance, making it harder to treat infections in humans. The UK has strict regulations limiting the use of antibiotics in farming, ensuring that they’re only used when medically necessary. This helps protect both animal welfare and public health by reducing the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria spreading through the food chain.
11. Olestra in snack foods
Olestra, a fat substitute once marketed as a way to enjoy low-fat crisps without the calories, was banned in the UK due to its… shall we say unpleasant side effects. While it allowed food manufacturers to create “fat-free” snacks, it also caused digestive issues, including cramps and diarrhoea, earning it a notorious reputation. Rather than using questionable fat substitutes, British snack manufacturers focus on producing healthier options with better ingredients. The ban on Olestra ensures that consumers aren’t exposed to additives that prioritise marketing gimmicks over actual health benefits. (Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to be used much in the US anymore, either!)
12. High levels of trans fats
Artificial trans fats, commonly found in processed foods, have been heavily restricted here due to their links to heart disease and other health risks. While some countries still allow them in fast food, baked goods, and margarine, the UK has taken major steps to reduce their presence in food products. Instead, British food manufacturers use healthier alternatives to create the same textures and flavours without the harmful effects. This ongoing effort to limit trans fats helps protect public health and encourages better dietary choices.
