Anthony Albanese has announced a victory in the ongoing “Vegemite-gate” dispute with Canada, after the country’s food inspection agency allowed a Toronto cafe to sell Vegemite despite initial rules against it.
Addressing a press conference in Sydney, the prime minister, holding a jar of Vegemite, stated that the decision was a triumph for Australian businesses.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency initially ruled that Vegemite did not meet local food laws due to its vitamin fortification and lack of bilingual labeling on consumer products. However, a subsequent “science-based” assessment found the spread’s added vitamins posed a low risk to human health.
The agency will now work with the importer to sell the product in the short-term and refine labeling, while collaborating to establish a long-term plan for Vegemite sales throughout Canada.
Prime Minister Albanese expressed his gratitude to the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his team for resolving the issue.
“Australia’s grasp on Vegemite won’t falter,” concluded the prime minister, lauding the decision as a win for both the nation’s industry and fans of the spread in Canada.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/19/albanese-claims-victory-in-vegemite-fight-as-canada-concedes-spread-poses-low-risk-to-humans
