Fit Fare

When I was a teenager, my family took a trip to Australia.  As the family cook, my father decided to acquaint himself with Australian cuisine before we left.  Since lamb is more popular in Australia than in the United States, he cooked that a few times, but the most exotic new addition to our cupboards was Vegemite.  This pasty, brown-black yeast extract is a Down Under staple, more out of tradition than deliciousness; its flavor is extremely salty and a little bitter, vaguely reminiscent of beef bullion.  Wanting to be a good sport, I tried a little on toast, and I have never tried any again.  Australians, however (and British people, who enjoy Vegemite’s cousin Marmite), grow up on the stuff, and many can’t imagine a breakfast without it. 

Vegemite has gotten recent media attention due to an article that appeared in late October, 2006, in the Melbourne Herald Sun (now removed) stating that the import of Vegemite into the United States had been banned by the FDA.  The article quoted Australian travelers who claimed to have been questioned about Vegemite and had their supplies confiscated upon entering the United States. Later, other news outlets stated that the ban was a hoax, but it did draw up some interesting information about the subject. Australian officials have since launced an investigation into the purported hoax.

The Low Down

Though the story may be false, the pretenses are worth considering. The crux of the alleged controversy is folate, also known as folic acid.  This additive is commonly found in bread and cereal products in the United States and is known for many health benefits, including the prevention of neural tube defects in fetuses when sufficient folate is consumed by pregnant women.   Vegemite contains 100 µg of folate per five gram serving, approximately one teaspoon, or the amount spread on one piece of bread.  This is 50% of the U.S. recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults; pregnant women should consume more.  However, U.S. law indicates that folate may only be added to breads and cereals.

FDA Denies 

Joanna Scott, an Australia-based spokesperson for Kraft, the maker of Vegemite, reportedly has said, “The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t allow the import of Vegemite simply because the recipe does have the addition of folic acid.”  Still, no ban on Vegemite has been confirmed by the U.S. government.  Mike Herndon, an FDA spokesman, indicated that no such ban exists and that the FDA was surprised by the reports.  Some retailers and importers may be choosing to keep Vegemite off their shelves until fully convinced that they will not be prosecuted for it, but it looks like they may not have to worry about.

Is Vegemite dangerous or unhealthy? 

Not from folate.  The amount of folate in Vegemite is not excessive (and, given the nature of the product, you’re more likely to go over the RDA by gorging on breakfast cereal than from giant spoonfuls of Vegemite).  Regardless, no adverse effects have been associated with excess folate consumption from foods.  Vegemite is relatively high in sodium, with 160 mg per serving, but this is not such a high amount that it must be avoided by people without special dietary concerns.

In the end, go ahead and try Vegemite if you want to; it’s safe, legal, and might help you handle your grief over losing the Crocodile Hunter.  Still, you might want to keep some jam around, just in case it doesn’t suit your palate.