Have you ever wondered why Kinder Surprise Eggs are illegal in the United States? The chocolate treats that contain a toy surprise inside have become a popular treat for children around the world, but they are banned in the US. Here's why.
The Choking Hazard
The main reason behind the ban is the choking hazard that the toys inside the eggs pose to young children. Since the toys are small enough to fit in a child's mouth, they can easily be swallowed or lodged in the child's throat, causing serious injury or even death.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strict guidelines for food products that contain non-food items, and Kinder Surprise Eggs do not meet these guidelines. As a result, they have been classified as a choking hazard and are not allowed to be sold in the US.
The Law
The ban on Kinder Surprise Eggs in the US is based on a law that dates back to 1938. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act prohibits the sale of any food product that contains a "non-nutritive object" that is partially or completely embedded within it.
While the law was originally intended to prevent harmful objects such as glass or metal from being embedded in food products, it also covers toys and other non-food items. This means that Kinder Surprise Eggs cannot be sold in the US, even though they are legal in many other countries.
The Alternatives
While Kinder Surprise Eggs are not available in the US, there are alternative products that offer a similar experience. Some companies have created egg-shaped chocolate treats that contain a small toy or prize inside, but these products are carefully designed to meet the FDA's guidelines for food products that contain non-food items.
Another option is to purchase Kinder Joy, a product that is similar to Kinder Surprise Eggs but is legal in the US. Kinder Joy is a two-part chocolate treat that contains a small toy and a separate compartment for the chocolate. Since the toy and chocolate are separate, there is no risk of choking.
The Controversy
The ban on Kinder Surprise Eggs has been a controversial topic since it was first implemented. Some people argue that the ban is unnecessary and that parents should be responsible for monitoring their children while they eat the treats. Others believe that the ban is necessary to protect children from potential harm.
In 2017, the Ferrero Group, the company that produces Kinder Surprise Eggs, announced that they would be launching a new product called Kinder Joy in the US. While this product is legal, it has not been as popular as the original Kinder Surprise Eggs.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, Kinder Surprise Eggs are illegal in the US due to the choking hazard that the toys inside them pose to young children. While some people may argue that the ban is unnecessary, the FDA has strict guidelines for food products that contain non-food items, and Kinder Surprise Eggs do not meet these guidelines. While there are alternatives available, such as Kinder Joy, the original Kinder Surprise Eggs remain a popular treat for children in many other countries around the world.