15 Things Folks in Louisiana Ate in the ’70s That Are Banned Today
Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, back when Lake Charles snacks had more chemicals than a science lab. Chances are, you ate one or more of these items and lived to tell the tale. Knowing what we know now, it's mind-blowing that the government allowed the public to consume this stuff even back then. Some of the companies that made these banned foods and additives have class action suites against them
They were tasty, colorful, and downright dangerous. We just did;t have a clue! From pink slime to asbestos-laced beer (yep, that was a thing.) Maybe that's why we'd get a random rash or catch that "24-hour bug" Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw would say we had after eating a bunch of "junk." Turns out, that's exactly what it was. I guess you could say, 70's babies are survivors.
15 Things Folks in Louisiana Ate in the '70s That Are Banned Today:
1. Cyclamate – The Sweetheart That Turned Sour
Before Splenda and Stevia took over, Cyclamate was the low-calorie sugar stand-in of choice. But by 1970, the U.S. gave it the boot over possible cancer risks. Still used overseas, but around here? We said "Nah."
2. Kinder Surprise Eggs – Banned for Being Too Fun
Europe loves 'em, but in the U.S., they’re banned because of the small toy inside being a choking hazard. Basically, too much fun wrapped in chocolate.
3. Pink Slime in School Lunches – Mystery Meat’s Cousin
Mechanically separated beef scraps washed in ammonia? Bon appétit, kids! Once parents found out, this budget meat got shown the cafeteria door.
4. Hidden Toy Candies – Choking on Childhood Joy
They were cute, cheap, and dangerous. These candies with toys inside were a hit in the '70s—until regulators realized kids were accidentally swallowing the prizes.
5. Saccharin – The Sweetener That Came with a Warning
Another artificial sweetener darling that got a sketchy rep. Saccharin came with cancer warnings for a while, though it never got a full ban.
6. Asbestos-Filtered Beer – Brewed with a Side of Danger
Yes, really. Some beer in the '70s was filtered using asbestos. They stopped this madness by the end of the decade. Cheers to progress!
7. Olestra – Diet Chips with… Consequences
This '90s fat substitute echoed '70s diet trends. Zero fat, but it came with warnings like “may cause anal leakage.” Not exactly the party snack you were hoping for.
8. Artificially Colored Butter Popcorn – Bright But Questionable
Remember that neon-yellow movie popcorn? Some of those artificial dyes were later linked to health issues, and several have since been banned. Pass the natural stuff.
9. Raw Milk – Moo-ving Into Risky Territory
Unpasteurized milk had its loyal fans in the '70s, especially in rural areas. But due to bacteria concerns, many states banned its sale. Moo-ve over, old-school dairy.
10. Alar-Treated Apples – Polished and Problematic
Alar made apples look pretty and last longer. But after cancer concerns in the late ‘80s, it was banned. Those shiny apples were hiding a toxic secret.
11. Trans Fats – A Love Story Gone Wrong
We used to slather margarine and snack on trans-fat-heavy treats with no clue they clogged arteries. Thankfully, they’re mostly banned now.
12. Tartaric Acid in Wine Coolers – Sour, Then Sweet
Not banned, but back in the day, some wine coolers had too much of this naturally occurring acid. Eventually, recipes were adjusted for taste and health.
13. Red Dye No. 2 – Pretty Poison
This bright red food coloring was in everything from cereal to candy until studies linked it to cancer in rats. Bye-bye, Red No. 2.
14. Lead-Soldered Canned Foods – A Heavy Metal Headache
Lead-soldered cans were pantry staples until folks realized lead was leaching into the food. Outlawed in 1995, thank goodness.
15. Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) – Citrus Soda’s Old Secret
Found in drinks like Mountain Dew, BVO kept flavor evenly mixed. But health concerns led to its phase-out, and now it’s on its way out for good by 2024.
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