10 Foods from the Past That Wouldn’t Pass Regulations Today
Once considered safe, these foods would never meet today’s strict food safety standards.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Many foods from the past were made with questionable ingredients and unsafe practices. Some contained harmful chemicals, while others posed serious health risks due to poor hygiene and lack of regulation. While people once ate them without hesitation, modern food laws would not allow them on store shelves today. Here are some foods from the past that would not pass today’s safety checks.
1. Lead-Containing Candy
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Some candies from the past were made with lead-based dyes to achieve vibrant colors. While people did not realize the dangers at the time, lead poisoning was a serious risk. Today, strict food safety regulations ban toxic dyes in food production.
2. Formaldehyde-Laced Milk
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To extend shelf life, some milk producers in the early 1900s added formaldehyde, a chemical now known to be toxic. This preservative caused severe health issues, especially in children. Modern dairy regulations ensure milk is safe and free from harmful additives.
3. Radium-Infused Water
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People once believed radium water had health benefits and drank it for energy. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure led to severe radiation poisoning. Today, no food or drink containing radioactive elements would ever be approved for sale.
4. Borax-Preserved Meat
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Meat sellers once used borax, a cleaning agent, to preserve meat and make it appear fresher. While it kept meat looking good, it was harmful to consume in large amounts. Food safety laws now ban borax in meat processing.
5. Coal Tar Food Coloring
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Early artificial food coloring was derived from coal tar, a byproduct of coal processing. These dyes made foods more visually appealing but posed serious health risks. Modern food regulations require safe, non-toxic color additives.
6. Unregulated Canned Goods
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Before strict regulations, canned foods were sometimes lined with lead or contaminated with bacteria. Many people suffer from food poisoning due to improper processing. Today, canning regulations prevent dangerous contamination.
7. Lard-Fried Snacks with Toxic
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Many snacks were fried in lard and contained chemical preservatives that are now banned. Some of these additives were linked to serious health issues. Modern regulations require safer frying oils and approved preservatives.
8. Spoiled Milk-Based Cheese
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Some cheeses were made from unpasteurized, spoiled milk, which carried bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria. While traditional methods had their charm, food safety laws now require pasteurization to prevent foodborne illnesses.
9. Arsenic-Laced Bread
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Some bread manufacturers once added arsenic-based whiteners to make flour appear purer. While the effects were not immediate, long-term consumption was toxic. Strict food laws now prohibit any harmful chemical additives in bread production.
10. Embalmed Apples
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Apples were sometimes coated with formaldehyde to keep them looking fresh for longer. While the practice preserved their appearance, the chemical was dangerous to consume. Today, food safety standards ban toxic preservatives on fresh produce.