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Found Coffee, a chain of Aussie-style cafes in Toronto, has become the centre of an unexpected culture clash after Canada’s food authority ordered its owner to stop serving Vegemite.
Owner Leighton Walters, who is a dual Canadian and Australian citizen, has been importing the iconic spread for five years but was recently told by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that Vegemite was non-compliant with its health regulations due to added vitamins in the product.
“I grew up as a Vegemite kid … eating it for breakfast every second day,” Walters told CBC Toronto.
“It’s an iconic Australian product … we’ve been so proud to serve it to thousands and tens of thousands of Australians, Canadians, travellers and tourists.
“Pulling Vegemite off our shelves hits at the core and the heart of our brand.”
‘I am pro-Vegemite’ says Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has come out in support of Walters.
After reporters asked if he had a message for Canada, Albanese said: “I stand with the Aussie café owner.”
“I can confirm here today that I am pro-Vegemite. I actually put a lot of Vegemite on my toast when I eat bread,” he said.
“It’s a good thing. I did hear the report. It’s rather odd they’re allowing Marmite, which frankly, is rubbish. Let’s be clear: I’m pro-Vegemite, anti-Marmite. That’s my position.”
Vegemite’s British rival, Marmite, was granted approval by the CFIA in 2020 despite the fact that an earlier shipment was blocked due to concerns about added vitamins.
In a video posted to Instagram, Walters shared his disappointment over the CFIA’s decision to remove approximately CA$8,000 ($9,031) worth of stock and ban the spread from the cafe’s menu.
“Despite Amazon and major grocery stores continuing to profit of the sale of Vegemite and similar products like Marmite, for some reason, our genuinely Australian/Canadian coffee shops offering a healthy slice of home away from home is seemingly worth targeting,” he said.
Speaking from a hospital bed while receiving treatment for spina bifida, a condition linked to folate deficiency during early weeks of pregnancy, he said Vegemite had a personal significance to him, as the spread is fortified with folic acid.
“Spina bifida exists because there’s a lack of folate in the diet at conception. One of the major things that Vegemite adds to everyone’s daily intake is folate.
“I want to fight for my business; I’m going to stand up for what I believe in.”
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