From banned cheeses to surprising dining rules, food laws around the world can get pretty weird. Some are rooted in health, others in history. But they all prove one thing: food culture is never boring. Here are 9 bizarre food laws you’ll be shocked (or glad) to know about.
9. The World’s Most Dangerous Cheese is Outlawed in the EU
In the Italian island of Sardinia, a traditional sheep’s milk cheese called Casu Marzu is famous for the insect larvae that infest it. While some locals consider it a delicacy, the European Union has banned its sale due to significant health risks. Despite being illegal, a black market for this pungent, maggot-infested cheese persists, with shepherds producing it for the few who are brave enough to try it.
8. Eating Fried Chicken With a Fork is Illegal in Gainesville, Georgia
In the self-proclaimed “Poultry Capital of the World,” Gainesville, Georgia, it’s technically illegal to eat fried chicken with a fork. This ordinance was passed in 1961 as a publicity stunt to promote the city’s poultry industry. The law declares that fried chicken is a delicacy to be eaten only with hands. The law is rarely enforced but it remains on the books and serves as a quirky piece of local history.
7. Scotland’s National Dish is Banned in the United States
For an authentic taste of Scotland’s national dish, a trip to the country might be necessary. Traditional haggis, a savory pudding with sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), is banned in the United States. The ban is due to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulation claiming that sheep’s lungs are unfit for human consumption.
6. A Chocolate Egg With a Toy Inside is Illegal in the United States
For decades, the popular chocolate treat Kinder Surprise has been banned in the US. The ban stems from a 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act regulation that prohibits confectionery products from containing a “non-nutritive object” within them. As for Kinder Surprise, the small plastic toy inside the chocolate egg is considered a choking hazard for children. To comply with the law, a modified version called Kinder Joy was introduced to the US market.
5. Feeding Pigeons is Illegal in San Francisco
That’s right…the next time you’re enjoying a snack in a San Francisco park, resist the urge to share it with your feathered friends. The city has an ordinance that makes it illegal to feed these birds, and for good reason. According to the city’s official website, feeding pigeons encourages them to roost in large numbers, leading to property damage from their droppings and potential health hazards.
4. It’s Illegal to Eat on the Streets in Florence’s Historic Center
Florence, Italy, a city known for its art, history, and culinary delights, has a law that might surprise foodies and tourists. To combat litter and preserve the beauty of the historic center, the city made it illegal to eat and drink on certain streets. People are prohibited from eating on sidewalks, roadways, or the doorsteps of shops and homes. Violators can face hefty fines, so it’s best to enjoy delicious Florentine street food back at your accommodation.
3. Chewing Gum is (Mostly) Banned in Singapore
Singapore banned the sale and import of chewing gum in 1992 to maintain the cleanliness of the city-state. The final straw was when vandals began sticking chewing gum on the door sensors of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, causing disruptions to the train service. In 2004, the law was relaxed to allow for the sale of dental and therapeutic chewing gum from a doctor or registered pharmacist.
2. Ketchup is Banned in French Schools (with one exception)
In 2011, the French government decided to ban ketchup from school cafeterias. But there’s an exception. Ketchup can be served with French fries, but French fries can only be offered once a week. The law is part of a broader effort to improve the nutritional quality of school meals and to ensure that children are exposed to traditional French cooking.
1. Stealing Food is Not a Crime if You’re Hungry in Italy
In a landmark 2016 ruling, Italy’s highest court of appeal declared that stealing small amounts of food when starving isn’t a crime. The case involved a homeless man, Roman Ostriakov, who was caught stealing cheese and sausages worth €4.07 from a supermarket. He was initially convicted of theft and sentenced to six months in jail and a €100 fine. But the Supreme Court overturned the conviction, ruling that he had acted in a “state of necessity.”