9 Common U.S. Ingredients That Are Illegal in Other Countries

BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE (BHA) AND BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE (BHT)

These food preservatives are mixtures of organic compounds, and they make some experts nervous. ‘BHA and BHT helps prevent foods from going rancid by helping to stop oxygen from mixing with oils in the food,’ explains Savage—the fat is unstable and can spoil quickly. Where can you find it?

Packaged meat products, soup mixes, mayonnaise, frozen meals, etc. While some studies have found them to be relatively safe, others have linked them to stomach and skin irritation, allergic reactions, and kidney or liver problems.