Kinder Surprise Eggs
In 1938, Congress passed the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which essentially banned food that had "non-nutritive" objects inside. Having nonedibles mixed with edible items poses a choking hazard for consumers, as far as the FDA is concerned. Sadly, that means Kinder Surprise Eggs—hollowed-out chocolate eggs with a collectible toy inside—are banned in America.
The FDA relented slightly in 2017 when Kinder Joy eggs were introduced in the States. The treats remain egg-shaped, but the edible and nonedible portions are separated inside the packaging. Authentic Kinder Surprise Eggs are still banned, but travelers who visit Canada, Europe, and many other parts of the world can try the real deal—just don't try to bring any home in your suitcase.
"Kinder eggs are prohibited just like narcotics are prohibited," a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson said in 2023. "Our officers, if they encounter prohibited stuff, they're subject to seizure."
Kangaroo meat
The Indigenous people of Australia have long consumed and managed kangaroo meat, which eventually made its way to the United States. In 1970, concerns over animal welfare and the impact on kangaroo populations led then-California Gov. Ronald Reagan to sign legislation banning the sale of kangaroo meat and leather, which went into effect in 1973.