4. Chewing Gum
Banned in: Singapore
Reason: Cleanliness
Est. Global Sales: $105 billion per year*
When it comes to preparing for an important meeting or a hot date, many folks rely on chewing gum to freshen their breath. But picture this – there’s a place in the world, one in particular, where ditching the gum and reaching for a mint or mouthwash is the wiser choice for banishing morning breath in a flash. Enter Singapore, my friend. Back in 1992, to combat the sticky mess on their streets, chewing gum was outright banned. Now, before you chomp away in public, mind you abide by the exceptions – gotta show proof of a legit medical prescription. Trust me, without the proper paperwork, you might find yourself facing a penalty as serious as two years behind bars or a whopping fine of up to $100,000. Yikes!
4. Chewing Gum
5. Fat-Free Chips
Banned in: The United Kingdom & Canada
Reason: Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Est. Global Sales: $555.9 billion per year for the global chips marked*
Fat-free chips were devised as a tantalizing substitute for those irresistibly greasy, salty snacks that seem impossible to resist. But beware, my friends, for nothing in this world comes without a price. Our dear friends across the pond in Canada and the U.K. aren’t exactly jumping at the opportunity to pay that price. You see, the secret ingredient in these fat-free potato chips is olestra, or as some call it, Olean. It may boast of zero fat, cholesterol, and calories, but it comes at the cost of severe stomach cramps, unrelenting gas, and uncontrollable diarrhea for frequent consumers. So before you venture into the realm of smuggling these fat-free dainties across borders, let us ponder: Is the risk truly worth the reward?
5. Fat Free Chips
