In an unusual diplomatic spat, Leighton Walters, an Australian cafe owner in Toronto, has ignited an international debate over the iconic Australian spread, Vegemite. The controversy arose after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ordered Walters to destroy an $8000 shipment of Vegemite, claiming it did not comply with Canadian food regulations due to the product's added B vitamins.
Walters, who opened his Australian-style cafe, Found Coffee, in Toronto in 2019, has been serving Vegemite to locals and expats alike. He proudly incorporates the spread into his menu, offering it on toast and in pastries. “I grew up as a Vegemite kid eating it for breakfast every second day,” he shared with CBC Toronto. “It’s an iconic Australian product. We’ve been so proud to serve it to thousands and tens of thousands of Australians, Canadians, travelers, and tourists.”
However, earlier this month, the CFIA flagged a new shipment of Vegemite for non-compliance, leading to the order for destruction. Walters took to social media to express his shock and disappointment, stating, “As an Australian-Canadian citizen, I am torn and shocked to have awoken from surgery to receive a demand for destruction of our entire supply of our iconic Aussie Vegemite claiming ‘non-compliance’ citing concerns due to added B vitamins.”
Walters has a personal connection to Vegemite, as he was born with spina bifida, a condition that can be mitigated by adequate folate intake during pregnancy. “Vegemite is high in B vitamins and folate, which helps minimize the likelihood of babies being born with conditions like mine,” he explained. “Living through the pain my family and I have throughout my life so far makes this deeply personal.”
Despite the CFIA's ruling, Vegemite remains available for purchase through Amazon Canada and in some specialty shops across the country. Walters pointed out the apparent inconsistency in the regulation, noting that Marmite, a similar spread made in the UK, is still being sold in Canada. “For some reason, our genuinely Australian/Canadian coffee shops offering a healthy slice of home away from home is seemingly worth targeting,” he lamented.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has weighed in on the debate, declaring his support for Walters. During a press conference on April 15, 2025, he stated, “I stand with the Aussie cafe owner. I can confirm here today that I am pro-Vegemite. And indeed, I actually put a lot of Vegemite on my toast when I eat bread.” Albanese also took a jab at Marmite, saying, “It’s rather odd that they’re letting Marmite in, which is rubbish, frankly. Let’s be clear here: pro-Vegemite, anti-Marmite. That’s my position.”
The CFIA clarified that the Vegemite product being sold was found to have added vitamins not permitted under Canadian food regulations. “As a result, the café was informed of the non-compliance and voluntarily removed the product from its menu and retail offerings,” a CFIA spokesperson said.
Walters, however, remains hopeful that logic will prevail. “I don’t expect Canadians to care about Vegemite; I know it’s an acquired taste, but the principle and double standard doesn’t make sense to me—it doesn’t seem right.” He has reached out to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission for assistance in navigating the regulatory landscape.
In a show of solidarity, Australian expats in Toronto have rallied around Walters, questioning why Canadian authorities would target a product that is still available through other retailers. Ray Wood, an Australian living in Ontario, expressed his disbelief, stating, “What the heck's going on? Vegemite's a national Australian icon. How could it suddenly be threatened like this?”
Keane Scheffel, another Australian expat, added, “I don’t see why it should be an issue. There’s no need to stop it. It’s something that Australians have eaten for a long, long time.” Many in the expat community are concerned about the implications this ruling could have on Walters' business and are actively spreading the word to garner support.
The Bega Group, which produces Vegemite, acknowledged the situation but clarified that they do not export Vegemite directly to Canada. A spokesperson for the company stated, “We’re aware of the recent reports regarding the removal of Vegemite from the shelves at Found Cafe in Toronto, and the disappointment this has caused for our fellow Aussies abroad.”
As the debate continues, Walters remains committed to his cause. “It’s been overwhelming to receive loads of messages of friends and family at home, complete strangers, and many Aussies living all over the world, encouraging us to continue this fight against government overreach and inconsistencies in government regulation,” he said.
In the meantime, the fate of Vegemite in Canada hangs in the balance, with Walters and his supporters hoping for a resolution that allows them to continue enjoying this beloved Australian staple.
