Vegemite can stay on Ontario cafe chain’s shelves for now, Canadian food regulators say

An Ontario café chain has recently emerged victorious in its battle with Canadian food regulators to continue selling Vegemite at its establishments. The Found Coffee chain, owned by Australian-Canadian dual citizen Leighton Walters, faced a setback earlier this year when the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) informed him that the batch of Vegemite he had imported was not compliant with Health Canada regulations. This put approximately $8,000 worth of Vegemite at risk.

However, in a recent development, the CFIA announced that a health risk assessment conducted by Health Canada revealed that the risk to human health from the added vitamins in Vegemite is low when consumed in recommended serving sizes. As a result, the CFIA will collaborate with Walters to allow the product to be sold in the short-term with revised labeling, while working towards a longer-term plan for Vegemite sales across Canada.

Walters expressed his gratitude for the outcome, stating that it is a significant win for small businesses. He emphasized his passion for serving great coffee and Australian treats at his cafes.

The café owner had been importing Vegemite, an iconic Australian product, for five years to offer at his Australian-inspired establishments. Despite the recent challenges faced with Canadian regulators, Walters remained steadfast in his commitment to providing this beloved product to his customers.

After being ordered to remove Vegemite from his shelves due to non-compliance with Canadian regulations, Walters sought assistance from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission. His efforts garnered support from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who expressed appreciation to Canadian officials for allowing Vegemite back on the menu.

The news was met with enthusiasm, with Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighting the value of strong free trade and mutual respect for cultural treasures. Walters expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from around the world, emphasizing the collective effort that led to the positive outcome.

In conclusion, the resolution of this dispute underscores the importance of collaboration between businesses, regulators, and government officials to address challenges and ensure the availability of diverse products for consumers. The reinstatement of Vegemite at Found Coffee cafes is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of small business owners like Leighton Walters.