In a surprising turn of events, an Australian coffee shop owner in Canada has been caught in a regulatory bind over the sale of Vegemite, a beloved spread that many Australians hold dear. Leighton, who operates an Aussie-themed café in Toronto, has been ordered by Canadian authorities to remove Vegemite from his shop due to its high Vitamin B content, which they deem incompatible with local food safety regulations.
Leighton’s troubles began when he imported a palette of Vegemite to sell in his café, where it quickly became a hit among patrons, particularly in the form of Cheesymite Scrolls. However, Canadian officials have claimed that the spread contains “added B vitamins and folic acid,” making it ineligible for sale in the country. To add to his woes, he faces a potential fine of $250,000 if he fails to comply with the order.
In an interview with Nine’s A Current Affair, Leighton expressed his disbelief at the situation, highlighting the irony that while he is being penalized for selling Vegemite, the product is readily available on platforms like Amazon. He remarked, "I’ve been a happy little Vegemite all my life," underscoring his frustration at being unable to share a piece of his culture with his Canadian customers.
The issue has sparked conversations about food regulations and cultural exchange, with many Australians rallying behind Leighton. His café, which he opened after selling all his possessions in Australia during the pandemic, has become a haven for homesick Aussies in Canada. The café's popularity has surged, but now it faces an uncertain future if the Vegemite ban continues.
On the same night that Leighton's story aired, Nine’s A Current Affair garnered impressive viewership numbers, with a total TV reach of 1.49 million and an average audience of 1.01 million. This made it a standout among competing shows, including Seven's Home and Away, which reached 1.28 million viewers, and Channel 10's The Dog House, which reached 884,000.
As the story unfolds, it raises questions about how food regulations can sometimes clash with cultural traditions. Leighton’s predicament is not just about a jar of spread; it reflects a broader issue of how immigrant communities navigate the complexities of food laws in their new homes.
In the realm of television ratings, the competition remains fierce. On April 15, 2025, Seven News recorded a total TV national reach of 2,140,000, followed closely by Nine’s 9News, which had a reach of 2,093,000. Meanwhile, Nine’s A Current Affair, with its engaging content, reached 1,486,000 viewers, demonstrating the appetite for compelling stories in Australian media.
The figures from the ratings show a clear interest in news and entertainment, with various demographics tuning in. For instance, among the 25-54 age group, Nine’s 9News reached 652,000, while Seven’s Seven News reached 574,000. In the younger 16-39 demographic, Nine’s A Current Affair attracted 174,000 viewers, indicating its appeal across different age groups.
Leighton’s Vegemite saga is just one of many stories that highlight the intersection of culture and regulation. As he navigates this challenge, he remains hopeful that a resolution can be reached, allowing him to continue sharing a taste of Australia with his customers in Toronto. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by expatriates trying to maintain their cultural identities while adhering to the laws of their adopted countries.
In a world where food often serves as a bridge between cultures, Leighton’s fight to keep Vegemite on the shelves of his café resonates with many who have experienced similar challenges. The outcome of this situation could set a precedent for how food regulations are applied to culturally significant products in the future.
As the story develops, it will be interesting to see how Canadian authorities respond to the public outcry and whether they will reconsider their stance on Vegemite. For now, Leighton remains determined to advocate for his café and the beloved spread that has become synonymous with Australian culture.
