Vegemite Might Be Restricted

Australia suggests sales limit on Vegemite amid "alcohol abuse."

17:50 10 August 2015

Vegemite, an Australian culinary icon, is a dark brown food paste made from brewer’s yeast extract and is being used to make alcohol.

 

Australia has suggested sales limit due to alcohol abuse and because it contributes to anti-social behaviour in some remote communities.

 

Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion described the salty spread as a "precursor to misery.” He added that the product must be banned in communities where alcohol is prohibited due to addiction problems.

 

"Businesses in these communities... have a responsibility to report any purchase that may raise their own suspicions," he said.

 

However, Dr John Boffa of the People's Alcohol Action Coalition, said: "We're talking about an isolated problem in a couple of communities around a very large nation, and a nation where there is a very large number of Aboriginal communities, and every community is different,"