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Candies Banned in the United States
Candy is undoubtedly a universal treat that brings happiness to people all over the world. However, not all candies are created equal, and some have been deemed controversial enough to be banned in the United States. Whether due to safety concerns or other reasons, these candies have faced restrictions that have prevented their sale and distribution in the country. In this article, we will explore some of the candies that have been banned in the United States and the reasons behind their prohibition.
Children’s Surprise Eggs Banned for Safety Reasons
One candy that has gained significant popularity worldwide, but remains banned in the United States, are Kinder Surprise Eggs. These chocolate eggs, which contain a toy inside a hollow shell, are considered illegal under a 1938 law. The law prohibits the sale of candy that contains a “non-nutritive object,” which includes Kinder Surprise Eggs. Despite their availability in many other countries, Kinder Surprise Eggs are still banned in the United States. The ban is enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which has confiscated thousands of these chocolate eggs over the years.
Candy shaped like drug paraphernalia is unsurprisingly controversial
Another type of candy that has been the subject of controversy and subsequent bans in the United States is candy shaped like drug paraphernalia. One example is the Lollipipe, a candy pipe that comes with a plastic smoking tube and an airtight bag. While the company behind these candies claims they are only meant to be used with legal substances, the resemblance to actual drug paraphernalia has raised concerns. When a local gas station in Connecticut was found selling these candy pipes, police emphasized that they were only illegal if used in conjunction with illegal substances. Some stores voluntarily removed the lollipop from their shelves, and there have been calls for similar bans in other locations.
How Cadbury got banned
In 2015, Cadbury, a popular British chocolate brand, faced a ban on its products in the United States. The ban was the result of a legal dispute with Hershey, which claimed that Cadbury’s chocolates infringed on its trademarks. Some Cadbury products, such as Toffee Crisps and Yorkie bars, were said to be too similar to Hershey’s products. In addition, Hershey had an agreement to produce its own versions of certain Cadbury candies for the U.S. market. To avoid competition and confusion, Cadbury was effectively banned from importing and selling in the United States. However, some small stores have managed to import Cadbury products under the radar, allowing connoisseurs to find these chocolates despite the ban.
It only takes a few to ruin Smarties for the many
Smarties, a popular candy known for its colorful and tangy flavor, was banned in schools in 2014 due to a disturbing trend. Students were found snorting crushed Smarties, mimicking the act of snorting cocaine. This trend posed serious health risks, including infections, nasal scarring, choking, and respiratory problems. As a result, many states, including Maine and Michigan, banned Smarties from schools. The ban was intended to discourage dangerous behavior and promote a safe and healthy school environment.
Valentine’s candy raises eyebrows in some schools
Valentine’s Day candy has also come under scrutiny and been banned in some schools. In an effort to promote healthier lifestyles, some schools have banned candy in any form during Valentine’s Day celebrations. Instead of traditional candy, alternative items such as fruit, pens, and homemade cards were encouraged. The bans sparked debate, with some parents concerned about taking the fun out of the holiday and others stressing the importance of promoting healthy treats and activities.
The strange saga of lead-laced Mexican candy
One particularly alarming case involved Mexican candies known as Lucas Limon and Lucas Limon Con Chili, which were found to contain high levels of lead. These candies, produced by a Mexican subsidiary of Mars, were sold in packages that resembled salt shakers and were labeled as “condiments. The presence of lead in food can have serious health consequences, especially for children. Although some states banned these candies, the labeling loophole allowed them to remain on store shelves. Efforts were made to remove them, but the saga highlighted the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the candy industry.
Lollipops that came with a side of lead
The problem of lead-tainted candy extends beyond the Mexican candy saga. Lead-laced lollipops became a concern when a 2-year-old child in Orange County, California, was found to have an abnormally high blood lead level after eating the candy. This discovery prompted investigations and raised awareness of the dangers of lead exposure. As a result, the lead lollipops were banned and steps were taken to ensure the safety of candy products in general.
Conclusion
Candy bans in the United States are often driven by safety concerns or the desire to protect public health. Whether it’s the presence of non-nutritive items, the resemblance to drug paraphernalia, or the risk of lead contamination, these bans aim to ensure the well-being of consumers, especially children. While candy brings joy and sweetness to our lives, it is important to prioritize safety and make informed decisions about the products we consume. By understanding the reasons behind these bans, we can promote a healthier and safer candy culture in the United States.
FAQS
Children’s Surprise Eggs were banned in the United States due to a 1938 law that prohibited the sale of candy with a “non-nutritive object” inside. The toy inside the chocolate egg was considered a potential choking hazard for children.
What is the controversy over candy shaped like drug paraphernalia?
Candies shaped like drug paraphernalia, such as candy pipes, have become controversial due to concerns that they may encourage the use of illegal substances. While the companies behind these candies claim that they should only be used with legal substances, the resemblance to real drug paraphernalia has raised alarms and led to bans in some places.
Why did Cadbury face a ban in the United States?
Cadbury faced a ban in the United States following a legal dispute with Hershey. Hershey claimed that certain Cadbury products infringed its trademarks and were too similar to its own candies. To avoid competition and confusion, Cadbury was effectively banned from importing and selling in the United States.
Why were Smarties banned from schools?
Smarties were banned from schools due to a disturbing trend of students snorting crushed Smarties to mimic the act of snorting cocaine. This behavior posed serious health risks and led to bans in many states to discourage dangerous behavior and maintain a safe school environment.
Why were Valentine’s Day candies banned in some schools?
Valentine’s Day candy was banned in some schools as part of efforts to promote healthier lifestyles. These bans were aimed at reducing the consumption of sugary treats and encouraging alternatives such as fruit, pencils and homemade cards during Valentine’s Day celebrations.
What was the problem with lead in certain Mexican candies?
Certain Mexican candies, such as Lucas Limon and Lucas Limon Con Chili, have been found to contain high levels of lead. Despite embargoes by some states, these candies remained on store shelves due to labeling loopholes. The presence of lead in food can have serious health consequences, especially for children, raising concerns and calls for stricter regulations in the candy industry.