Tuesday 8 April 2025
Banned Products: India vs. the World
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India is home to a vast range of products, from food and beverages to cosmetics and medicines, that are widely consumed by the masses. However, several of these products have been banned or heavily restricted in other countries due to health risks, safety concerns, and environmental impact. While regulations in Western nations such as the United States, Canada, and the European Union (EU) enforce strict guidelines, India continues to allow the sale of some products despite global bans.
Jelly sweets containingkonjacpose a choking hazard because they do not dissolve easily in the mouth. Several choking deaths, especially in children, have been reported, due to which, despite being readily available in India, several western countries have banned them.
Lifebuoy contains harsh chemicals and does not meet FDA safety standards for skincare. It is classified as a medicated soap, but its formulation is considered too harsh for human skin under US regulations.
The high taurine and caffeine content was a concern. Some studies suggested a potential link to cardiovascular issues. However, the bans were later lifted after more research and changes to labeling requirements.
Disprin has been banned as it reportedly violates certain FDA Drug Regulations. It contains aspirin, which has been linked to Reyes syndrome in children. Overuse can also cause gastric bleeding and kidney damage.
Raw milk carries a risk of bacterial infections, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Some US states allow local sales, but federal law prohibits interstate distribution.
Nimulid is a pain-killer linked to severeliver toxicity and liver failure. Despite being available in India, it is banned in many countries due to its dangerous side effects.
The US bans food products that contain non-edible objects inside them due tochoking risks.Kinder Joy, or Kinder Surprise (as it is known as in the US) contains a small toy inside a chocolate shell, making it illegal.
Some countries warn against its use in young children, as the menthol and camphor content can cause respiratory distress, especiallyin infants. The Vicks Inhaler isprohibited in Japandue to its strict laws against narcotics and stimulants.
Some Chyawanprash brands tested positive for high levels of lead, making them unsafe for consumption. Ayurvedic medicines with heavy metals have been a concern in Canada and other countries.
Traditional desi ghee does not always meet the US definition of clarified butter and may be restricted due to concerns over its high saturated fat content. However, it is available in regulated forms.
Mustard oil contains erucic acid, which has been linked to heart damage. It is labeled “For External Use Only” in many Western countries but remains widely used in India for cooking.
Authorities in Singapore and Hong Kong halted sales of certain spice mixes from prominent Indian brands MDH and Everest. The affected products included MDH’s Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Curry Powder, as well as Everest’s Fish Curry Masala. These actions were taken after tests detected levels of ethylene oxide, a pesticide linked to cancer, exceeding permissible limits. There are broader concerns in the EU about their safety as well, with test showing levels of pesticide exceeding set limits.
The Al-Shabaab militant group, which controls parts of Somalia, imposed a ban on samosas in 2011. They claim that the triangular shape of the samosa resembles the Christian Holy Trinity, which goes against their strict interpretation of Islamic teachings.
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