There’s a whole lot of stuff that’s banned in India, and the movement is only getting larger. With media attention focused so much on this practise though, it’s easy to forget that they also outlaw things in other parts of the world. Some of the things we see so commonly around us in everyday life are actually rare commodities in other countries. Let’s just say, a lot of times things don’t get to fly under the radar.
Check out these things that are banned abroad but not in India!
1. Lifebuoy Soap
These soaps are considered bad for the skin, and are apparently only used to clean certain animals abroad. It is openly sold in India as a regular soap for humans however.
2. Red Bull
Red Bull was banned in France and Denmark, and remains banned in Lithuania for people under 18 years of age. The energy drink can lead to heart problems, depression, hypertension and convulsions, though I personally don’t mind one every now and then.
3. Disprin
India sees the sale of a lot of medically and legally dubious drugs, and most of us lap them up. This includes the common Disprin, which is our reply to almost any office or home ailment.
4. Pesticides
There are more than 60 harmful pesticides banned in other countries but not in India. These chemicals come into our plants and can lead to several health problems later in life.
5. Unpasteurised Milk
Due to the presence of harmful microbes and germs in unpasteurised milk, it is banned in almost all of the USA and Canada. While this stuff can make you seriously ill, it is easily available in the motherland.
6. Jelly Sweets
These little candies were recalled and are now not imported into USA, Canada and Australia. They pose a choking hazard, and there have been several reported cases of children choking on them. They’re widely available here though.
7. Samosas
Samosas are banned in Somalia, all thanks to the Jihadist terrorist group Al-Shabaab. These samosa haters enforced the ban in the areas they control by claiming the food was “too Christian”. Al-Qaeda would be so disappointed.
8. Kinder Chocolate
The Kinder surprise, which you might have noticed in a little colourful egg case, is banned in America. The toy that comes with the candy inside is deemed a choking hazard. You can also use this argument as leverage in your “India is better than America” debate.
9. Tata Nano
Our beloved low price vehicle failed the independent crash test conducted by Gobal NCAP. This basically means that occupants of the car would be at risk of life threatening injuries. They banned it in other countries, but not here.
10. Maruti Suzuki Alto 800
Another one that failed a whole string of safety tests and guidelines, this car is also banned in several other countries, but is pretty popular here.
11. D-Cold Total
Another medicine that’s hugely popular here but banned abroad, D-Cold can apparently lead to kidney problems. Rather a cold and flu than that!
12. Nimulid
The common pain killer is actually banned in USA, Australia, Canada Britain and a host of other countries. The ban was because it had severe health hazards for the liver, and had some very scary side effects. It’s available here though.