Australian owner of Toronto café chain fighting Ottawa to save $8K of Vegemite

For Australian expats living in downtown Toronto like Leighton Walters, nothing quite compares to the taste of Vegemite on toast. As a dual citizen, Walters has made it his mission to bring a taste of home to his Canadian community through his chain of Australian-inspired cafés, Found Coffee.

Vegemite, a yeasty spread made from beer production byproducts, holds a special place in the hearts of Australians. Walters has been importing jars of Vegemite for the past five years to serve at Found Coffee, where customers could enjoy Vegemite on toast or in baked goods. However, a recent shipment of Vegemite was flagged by Canadian regulators, citing non-compliance with Health Canada regulations.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) informed Walters that the Vegemite he was selling contained added vitamins, which are not permitted in spreads and condiments under Canada’s Food and Drug Regulations. This decision has left Walters frustrated and confused, as he had been selling Vegemite without incident for years.

Despite the CFIA’s decision, Vegemite is still available for purchase at specialty retailers and online in Canada. The addition of vitamins is limited to certain foods to ensure Canadians receive appropriate nutrients, according to Health Canada. Walters, who suffers from spina bifida, emphasizes the importance of folate, a type of Vitamin B found in Vegemite, in preventing birth defects.

In response to the CFIA’s ruling, Walters has temporarily removed Vegemite from his shelves while he fights the decision. He has also sought assistance from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission. Australian expats in Toronto have rallied around Found Coffee, questioning the CFIA’s decision to target Walters’ chain.

Ray Wood, an Australian expat, expressed disbelief that Vegemite, a national Australian icon, could be threatened in Canada. Fellow Australians in Toronto are spreading awareness and advocating for Walters to overturn the decision. Keane Scheffel, another Melbourne native, supports Walters and hopes for a resolution to the situation.

While the future of Vegemite at Found Coffee remains uncertain, Walters remains determined to continue serving his community a taste of Australia. The outpouring of support from Australian expats in Toronto demonstrates the cultural significance of Vegemite and the impact it has on those longing for a piece of home.