Vegemite shipment sparks international attention
A shipment of Vegemite to a Canadian cafe has triggered a regulatory dispute involving Canadian food authorities and an Australian-Canadian cafe owner. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ordered Leighton Walters to remove the product from his menu and shelves. Walters, originally from Australia, owns a cafe in Canada where he serves nostalgic Australian goods.
Figure 1: CFIA ordered an Australian cafe owner to remove Vegemite from the menu and its shelves
CFIA cites vitamin content in Vegemite
The CFIA said the brand is not banned in Canada. However, it stated the product does not meet the country’s Food and Drug Regulations. The issue lies in the added vitamins found in Vegemite, particularly vitamin B.
Canadian law only permits certain products to be fortified with vitamins. These include cereals, salt, certain milks, pasta and white flour. Spreads and condiments are not part of that approved list.
Vegemite not compliant with Canadian health standards
A CFIA spokesperson told Canadian broadcaster CBC, “The Vegemite product being sold was found to have added vitamins which are not permitted in this product as per the Food and Drug Regulations and is therefore not permitted to be sold in Canada.”
This clarification suggests all products sold in Canada may be non-compliant. All jars are fortified with B-group vitamins, which include niacin, thiamine, riboflavin and folate.
Cafe owner expresses concern and disbelief
Walters shared his disappointment on Instagram. He said the news shocked him and his customers.
In his video, he said Vegemite is still available at major Canadian grocery stores and on Amazon Canada. He questioned the consistency of enforcement by the CFIA.
“Pulling Vegemite off our shelves hits at the core and the heart of our brand,” Walters said. “This is now a huge battle that I really didn’t want to fight for the sake of $8,000 worth of Vegemite that we have left, but I want to fight for my business, I want to fight for being true to who we are and who I am.”
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Company responds to regulatory decision
Bega, which owns Vegemite, responded with a statement about the incident.
“After looking into it, we can confirm we do not currently export Vegemite to Canada for sale within Canada,” the company said. “As such, we’re not directly involved in or across the specific import regulations that apply — including those set by the CFIA.”
Nutritional value of Vegemite under scrutiny
The ingredients listed on a Vegemite jar include yeast extract, salt, malt extract, colour, flavours, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin and folate.
Canadian food regulations prohibit added vitamins in spreads and condiments to help consumers avoid exceeding daily vitamin limits.
According to Health Direct, the recommended dietary intake for vitamin B3, or niacin, is 16 milligrams for men and 14 milligrams for women. The upper limit is 35 milligrams per day.
Each teaspoon of Vegemite contains 2.5 milligrams of vitamin B3. A person would need to eat around 14 teaspoons to exceed the daily safe limit.
Figure 2: Vitamin B levels in Vegemite versus average dietary intake
Personal health history drives Walters’ advocacy
Walters, who was born with spina bifida, said he has personal reasons for defending the product.
“As someone born with a birth defect, this is deeply personal,” he said. “Vegemite is high in B vitamins and folate, that helps minimise the likelihood of babies being born with conditions like mine and living through the pain my family and I have throughout my life so far.”
Spina bifida affects the development of the fetal spine and can result in lifelong complications such as paralysis, scoliosis and neurological conditions.
Marmite allowed while Vegemite is not
Walters pointed out a discrepancy involving Marmite, a similar UK-made yeast spread. Marmite also contains added vitamins but remains available in Canadian stores.
He said he was “absolutely floored” by what he described as a double-standard.
In 2020, the CFIA had to clarify that Marmite was not banned in Canada. The agency said the product had been available in stores for over a decade.
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Government support for Aussie cafe owner
Walters said he has contacted Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has received support from fellow Australians living in Canada.
The situation attracted the attention of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“I stand with the Aussie cafe owner,” Albanese said at a press conference. “I did hear the report on that, and it’s rather odd they’re letting Marmite in which is rubbish frankly. Pro-Vegemite, anti-Marmite, that’s my position.”
Cafe complies but plans to challenge ruling
Walters complied with the CFIA’s directive and removed Vegemite from his shelves. He said he wants to challenge the ruling despite the small financial loss.
He said the issue represents more than just an $8,000 shipment. It concerns cultural identity, business integrity and fair treatment.
