Gatorade has definitely dominated the energy drink market in the US however, in Europe it has been completely banned. The article below highlights some of the reasons why Gatorade is banned in Europe.
Contents
What Is Gatorade?
Gatorade is a sports drink that was invented at the University of Florida. Currently it is being produced by PepsiCo and it is marketed as “fuel for performance athletes,” mainly because it contains electrolytes that provide the body with energy.
Why Is Gatorade Banned In Europe
NB: Gatorade contains certain ingredients that are deemed toxic in Europe that is why it was banned. Below are some of the ingredients that are illegal in Europe which are used when making Gatorade.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
One of the main reasons why Gatorade was banned in Europe is because it contains Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) which is a food additive used to prevent citrus flavoring from separating in beverages. BVO contains bromine an element that can be found in brominated flame retardants which have the potential of building up in the body and ultimately causing memory, nerve and skin problems. While BVO is not banned in the US, the European Union believes that BVO can cause other serious health related problems like cancer, memory loss, headaches and impaired balance or coordination. Therefore, when Europe banned BVO, they also banned Gatorade considering it contains BVO.
Artificial Colorings
Another reason why Gatorade is banned in Europe is because it contains artificial colorings specifically food dyes Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. Research indicates that these food dyes are contaminated by benzidine which can be toxic to infants and children. These food dyes are completely banned in Europe and since they are present in Gatorade it was also banned from Europe.
Other Common Foods That Are Banned In Europe
While, Gatorade maybe banned in Europe it is not the only American food stuff that is banned in that continent. Below we take a look at some of the most popular foods that are banned in Europe but still acceptable in America.
Mountain Dew
This is also another popular drink found in America but banned in Europe. This is because Mountain Dew contains BVO which is an additive used in beverages. BVO is banned because it causes serious health problems when consumed in excess and since it is an ingredient in Mountain Dew, the drink had to ban in Europe.
Frosted Flakes
This is also another food item that is banned in Europe. Frosted flakes is a type of breakfast cereal that contains BHT, a flavor enhancer that is deemed to cause serious health problems in the future. Europe has banned the importation of this cereal and so has Japan.
Skittles
Another food item that was banned in Europe aside from Gatorade are skittles. These are a type of candy that have different colors. Skittles are banned in Europe because they contain food dyes Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Red 40. These food dyes are banned in Europe because they are toxic to infants and can cause serious health problems to them.
Wheat Thins
This is also another popular food item that is banned in Europe mainly because it contains BHT. Nabisco which is the manufacturer of Wheat Thins adds BHT so that the biscuits can have more flavor. However, BHT is banned in Europe because research suggests that it can cause serious health problems in the future.
Ritz Crackers
This is also another food item that is banned in Europe. Ritz crackers are manufactured in USA and they contain hydrogenated cotton seed oil and an artificial trans-fat, all of which are banned in Europe. These ingredients are deemed unhealthy by the European Union and they have the potential of causing serious health problems if consumed in excess.
Pop-Tarts
This is a common breakfast pastry that is found in America but banned in Europe. This is mainly because Pop-Tarts contain food dyes Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Red 40 all of which are banned in Europe. These food dyes are artificially produced and can cause side effects to humans so the European Union is just looking out for the health of its people.
Lucky Charms
Lucky Charms are a type of breakfast cereal that is banned in Europe. This is mainly because they contain artificial food dyes Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Red 40. These dyes are banned in Europe but still permitted in USA.
Pillsbury Pie Crust
This is also another food item that is banned in Europe but acceptable in USA mainly because it contains BHT and BHA. These substances are known to cause blood clots in humans and other serious health problems. The European Union including UK have banned BHT and BHA so any products containing these ingredients are automatically banned.
Why Isn’t There Gatorade In The UK?
There is no Gatorade in the UK because it was banned. Gatorade contains Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) and this ingredient is illegal in the UK that is why they banned Gatorade. Furthermore, Gatorade contains food dye Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 which are also banned in the UK. All the ingredients banned in UK are believed to cause serious health problems when consumed in excess.
Can I Drink Gatorade Everyday?
Unfortunately you cannot drink Gatorade everyday mainly because it contains artificial ingredients that have the potential of causing serious health problems when consumed in excess. It’s best to consume Gatorade when your body really needs it and also avoid consuming it in excess as this may lead to health related complications in future.
Do They Have Gatorade In Germany?
No, they do not have Gatorade in Germany. This is because it was banned since it contains artificial ingredients like BVO, food dye Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 all which have the potential of causing serious health problems.
Conclusion
Gatorade might be banned in Europe but it’s still a recommended legit drink in the US. The FDA has not banned any of the ingredients found in Gatorade meaning you might not have much to worry about.
