In the United States, the consumption of horse meat itself is not illegal, but the slaughtering of horses for meat is prohibited. This ban was reinforced by President Trump in 2018, which effectively prevents the commercial production of horse meat for human consumption.
Despite the prohibition of shark finning in U.S. waters since 2000—a practice where sharks are caught, their fins sliced off, and the live bodies discarded—only 12 states have laws explicitly banning the sale of shark fins.
Also known as fugu, the Japanese puffer fish contains a potent neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin, primarily found in its skin and certain organs.
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from a mixture of sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, combined with oatmeal, suet, onions, and spices. It is traditionally encased and cooked in the sheep's stomach, presenting a unique culinary experience.
Ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica and an integral part of Jamaican cuisine. When ripe, it opens to reveal black seeds surrounded by yellow flesh, which is edible and popularly enjoyed with saltfish.
Beluga caviar, harvested from the eggs of the endangered Beluga sturgeon fish, was banned from importation into the United States in 2005.
Sassafras, a plant historically used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, contains safrole, a compound identified as a carcinogen.
Casu marzu, a traditional cheese from Sardinia, Italy, is known for its unique preparation involving live insect larvae.
Absinthe, a highly alcoholic spirit traditionally flavored with wormwood, was once banned in many countries due to its reputation as a hallucinogenic and addictive substance.