Street food reigns in India with neighborhood markets or the by lanes dotted with vendors selling items like samosas, chaat, Idli-vada, Pao bhaji etc. We consume a wide variety of foods, sometimes even unaware of how they impact our daily habits and health.  

There are some food items that we commonly consume in India without knowing their effects on our health, which are banned in other countries. Here are the 5 foods you eat without knowing that they are banned in other countries. 

Samosa 

Samosas are perhaps the most popular street food of India, loved by people of all ages. A crispy crust with aromatic and spicy potato filling, fried to perfection—for comfort, is consumed by everyone, everywhere.

However, in Somalia, a country located in the Southern Africa region, the consumption of samosas has been banned since 2011.

This snack is strictly banned because of its triangular shape, which is like a symbol of Christianity in the “Al-Shabaab group.” If someone violates this law in Somalia, they must face heavy fines. 

Ketchup

In India, ketchup accompanies almost everything, from any street food to continental fare like sandwiches or burgers. Some people even like to consume a pizza with ketchup on top. However, only a few people know that in France, the use of ketchup is limited to zero.

The French government has noted that excessive consumption of ketchup by teenagers is banned, and they have also banned its use in school canteens for health reasons.  

But what is the real reason behind the ban on the use of ketchup? Is it truly related to health reasons?  

The real reason behind the ban on ketchup by the French Government is that they wanted to preserve French culinary culture from getting too Americanized as some people top it with tomato ketchup.

Chyawanprash 

Winters in India are hardly complete without a spoonful of Chyawanprash in the morning to start your day. It is a traditional Indian dietary supplement considered good for health and immunity that has been used for centuries.

Chyawanprash is made from a blend of fruits, herbs and ghee. It is said to be packed with healthy nutrients that nourish your body and boost your immunity.

But in Canada, sales and distribution of Chyawanprash has been banned since 2005.  The ban on Chyawanprash  was imposed due to high content of lead and mercury in the product. 

Ghee 

Ghee is a staple of Indian cuisine and is also considered a superfood, containing almost all essential nutrients to keep our body healthy and immune. It is used in many dishes and cuisines and is also mainly used for religious ceremonies and rituals.

However, in the United States, ghee is banned. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has researched and found that consumption of ghee can lead to diseases such as high blood pressure, heart attacks and obesity. 

Chewing Gum 

 Whether you want to use it as a mouth freshener or be a kid and blow balloons with it, chewing gums are much loved by children and teenagers.  However, its banned in Singapore which has strict guidelines regarding the cleanliness of the country.

In 1992, the country restricted the use, distribution and sale of chewing gum. However, under international pressure in 2004. The country relaxed the ban on one variety of chewing gum and only allowed the consumption of dental gum.