India celebrates and enjoys food in its culture, savoring every dish with delight. But some foods can prove dangerous having serious implications on consumers. Therefore, for food safety and public health of the people of the country there are strict rules and regulations established. For this, the Food Safety and Standards Association of India (FSSAI) has banned several food items that have health concerns, affect the environment and might interfere with culture.

In this article, we talk about the foods that are prohibited in the Indian territory. The list includes the items, with detailed answer to when and why:

Brominated vegetable oil

The brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is banned in India since 1990. It is a food additive that has concentration of bromine which gets piled up within the body causing health problems like neurological issues, organ damage, thyroid problems, weight gain and more.

BVO was added as an emulsifier and stabilizer in citrus-flavored soft drinks and other beverages, which enhanced its flavor and texture. It is banned in the UK, EU and Japan. In the US, it was banned last year in August 2024.

Sassafras oil

In 2003, FSSAI banned the Sassafras oil as it posed threat to health. It contained safrole which is carcinogen in rats and results in cancer as well as liver damage. There is also the presence of erucic acid content that too beyond the permissible limit, which is harmful to the heart and causes various cardiovascular diseases. 5ml Sassafras oil is enough to kill an adult. The FDA has also banned Sassafras oil in the US.

Red bull

Red bull, the energy drink which “gives you wings” contains caffeine, taurine and some other stimulants. Because of the ingredients present in the drink which had some severe health risks, Red bull faced significant challenges in India. Following which, it was temporarily banned in 2006 for its caffeine content that was in excess to the limit for non-alcoholic drinks.

Consuming too many energy drinks causes an increase in heart rate, a high blood pressure and even dehydration.  

Chinese milk and milk products

Milk and its byproducts from China (along with infant formula) have been banned in India since 2008. This happened after food safety scandals and contamination reports in China. The Chinese diluted the milk by 30% and mixed a toxic chemical, melamine to increase the protein levels artificially adulterating the original content. Melamine causes kidney stones and other issues which ultimately fails the human kidney.

The ban was further extended on the import in April 2019. It will be imposed until FSSAI detects melamine in the milk products.

Artificial ripening agents for fruits

For artificial ripening of fruits, chemical agents such as calcium carbide and ethylene gas are used. For food safety and various health concerns, the use of these chemicals is banned under the Regulation of the food safety and standards (Prohibition and restrictions of sales) Regulations, 2011.

Calcium carbide leaves residues of arsenic and phosphorus on fruits. It can irritate the oral and nasal mucosae, cause gastrointestinal issues and in the long run, even damage kidneys. It releases acetylene gas that is harmful for the handlers involved.

Genetically modified (GM) foods

The cultivation and import of genetically modified crops and food is restricted in India. There are environmental consequences, biodiversity loss and long term health risks with these GM crops and food. Only, BT cotton can be cultivated for commercial purposes after being approved in 2002. About 24 specified food consignments are imported, FSSAI demands GM-free or non-GM origin certification for it.

Scientists also state that if GM foods are mixed with non-GM crops, it might be a threat to biodiversity, or they might develop resistant pets. there are some concerns of the farmers also. But it is also stated that GM foods are safe for consumption.

Foie gras

The sale and import of Foie gras was banned in India in 2014 citing ethical concerns and protests by animal right activists. The production of foie gras involves force feeding of ducks or geese in order to enlarge their livers which is cruel and inhumane. Several other countries, including Germany and England have banned Foie gras.

India is committed towards the ethical treatment of animals and promotes humane farming practices. To fulfill this, it stands one with the world.

Potassium bromate

Potassium bromate contains carcinogenic properties due to which it was banned in 2016. It was used as a food additive in bread and bakery products to improve the elasticity of dough and bread volume. Potassium bromate increases risk of cancer (in particular thyroid). It was classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for research on cancer (IARC). Studies also reveal that it causes tumors, particularly in thyroid and kidneys.

Chinese garlic

The import of Chinese garlic was banned in India in 2019, citing health and quality concerns over high pesticide residue found in it. Chlorine levels were found to be 15 times higher than the safety limit. It also contained methyl bromide, a lethal fumigant. There were also concerns about the garlic being fungus infected and had lower levels of allicin. Moreover, it is cheaper than the Indian garlic and does not meet the quality standards.

Rabbit meat

Due to religious sensitivities, ethical concerns and animal welfare principality, rabbit meat sale and its consumption is banned in India. The Hindus consider rabbit as a sacred animal and possess an ethical and cultural principle of compassion towards animals. The ban reflects India’s compassionate approach towards food production.

Confectionary with trans fats

The confectionary with trans fats is banned in the country by FSSAI. Trans fats are created through an artificial chemical process called hydrogenation. Food tastes better, lasts longer and is available at affordable costs.

Trans fats have serious health concerns- it increases bad cholesterol that leads to various heart diseases. Trans fats can also cause diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight, obesity and many other types of cancers.