Vegemite has returned to the menu at a cafe in Toronto after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ruled the product could be sold in the short term.
The food authority has since decided to allow the cafe to sell the product in the short-term.
“The CFIA has requested a health risk assessment from Health Canada,” the food authority said in a statement.
A scientific evaluation has concluded that the risk to human health due to the additional vitamins in the product is minimal if consumed in recommended portions.
Consequently, the CFIA will partner with the importer to authorize the sale of the product temporarily, with updated labeling, while working alongside Health Canada, the manufacturer, and the importer to establish a sustainable plan for Vegemite distribution throughout Canada.
“The Government of Canada remains committed to food safety while supporting fair and reasonable access to culturally significant products.”
This development follows a campaign advocating for the return of Vegemite to Canadian shelves, which received backing from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who hailed the food authority’s recent decision as “a victory for the Australian industry”.
“It’s also a win for those people in Canada who get to enjoy this wonderful product that is so much a part of Australian culture and indeed, Australian pride as well,” Albanese said.
“I can report after the discussions that my government has had with the Government of Canada, and I want to thank (Canadian Prime Minister) Mark Carney and his office and his team for ensuring that the Australian cafe owner Leighton Walters can once again have Vegemite back in his cafe, back on the agenda.
“Happy Easter to all those happy little Vegemites out there.”
