Vegemite banned in the United States

[computer2slow]

The US has banned Vegemite, even to the point of searching Australians for jars of the spread when they enter the country.
The bizarre crackdown was prompted because Vegemite has been deemed illegal under US food laws.

The great Aussie icon - faithfully carried around the world by travellers from downunder - contains folate, which under a technicality, America allows to be added only to breads and cereals.
Australian expatriates in the US said enforcement of the ban had been gradually stepped up and was now ruining lifelong traditions of Vegemite on toast for breakfast.

Kraft spokeswoman Joanna Scott said: "The (US) Food and Drug Administration doesn't allow the import of Vegemite simply because the recipe does have the addition of folic acid.''

The US was "a minor market'' for Vegemite, she said.


From news.com

[Head_Monkey]

So can someone explain why this was banned on a technocality? Is it cause folate is an additive to vegemite and that's against FDA rules?

And did you know that Vegemite is made by Kraft - which is owned by an American company? So killing sales in yer own country is a good business move...

And there is a rumor that another Aussie food "Tim Tams" (chocolate biscuits) were banned because it contained too much sugar... WTF?

[wildwood]

c2s, I thought Folic Acid was good for you?

[computer2slow]

Sorry it's the government so no one can explain it. Even better is that supposedly Marmite isn't banned and is pretty much the same thing and contains Folic acid.

Also the new internet gambling law was passed attached to some security bill. What one has to do with the other beats me.

[Head_Monkey]

c2s, I thought Folic Acid was good for you?

I think it helps prevent birth defects in babies.

[computer2slow]

You need to be careful I read somewhere if you eat more then 10 Vegemite sandwiches you will get a harmful amount of folic acid but I think the sodium would get you 1ST.

[Head_Monkey]

You need to be careful I read somewhere if you eat more then 10 Vegemite sandwiches you will get a harmful amount of folic acid but I think the sodium would get you 1ST.

Hell... I've eaten half a jar of vegemite in one go, and I'm still good...

[Chief]

Hell... I've eaten half a jar of vegemite in one go, and I'm still good...

Say no more

[computer2slow]

Hell... I've eaten half a jar of vegemite in one go, and I'm still good...

Physically yes but look what it has done to your mind. :p