A convicted murderer in Australia, Andre McKechnie, is contesting a ban on the consumption of Vegemite by prisoners. This ban has been enforced in the state of Victoria since 2006, with state authorities citing concerns that the spread’s strong smell could be used to mask contraband or facilitate alcohol production within prisons.
McKechnie, serving a life sentence for the 1990s stabbing of a property developer in Queensland, is currently housed in Victoria after being transferred from Queensland. According to court documents reviewed by AFP and AP, he claims the prohibition of Vegemite impedes his ability to “enjoy his culture as an Australian.” He is seeking both the overturning of the ban and a declaration that prison authorities have not provided adequate food for his well-being.
The case is set to be heard next year. Vegemite, a yeast extract-based condiment that originated in Melbourne in 1923, has long been a staple in Australian cuisine, though it is known for its divisive taste. While it is regarded as a beloved breakfast spread by many, it has also been featured in the Disgusting Food Museum in Sweden.
In recent developments, Vegemite was spotlighted in an international dispute when an Australian café owner in Canada was instructed to remove the product from his store due to non-compliance with local health regulations. The situation drew the attention of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who described the issue as peculiar given the Canadian market’s allowance of a competing product, Marmite. Following this, the Canadian agency reversed its decision, permitting the sale of Vegemite in the café.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1j86xydjpro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss