This means war!

[mcsblues]

Some of you might have gathered that I hail from a little place called Australia, whereas many of those who post here are sadly not so fortunate.:slywink:

Specifically I want to address these remarks to those of you who live in a particular country ruled by an organisation known as the "FDA". It transpires that the said FDA has banned the importation of an Aussie product called Vegemite on the spurious grounds that it contains too much folate, a nutrient which the FDA will only allow to be added to bread and other grain products, despite recent evidence this fortification still leaves residents of FDA land sadly folate deficient;

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=71048-harvard-school-of-public-health-fda-folate

Now granted, few of you will be Vegemite enlightened (Janet - not an FDA-ite - may have heard of an inferior yeast extract product called 'Marmite') and perhaps some of you did not support the FDA's rise to power ... but regardless this outrageous and unprovoked attack on my country will be avenged! Anything resembling American - oops - FDA style apple pie will be returned to sender. Cranberry sauce will be stopped at the border, and our sniffer dogs will be trained to detect the slightest hint of candied yams on the breath of tourists with an FDA stamp on their passport.

You have been warned! :p

[Billie]

Malcom many of us live in a country, despite the FDA! Welcome to OUR world! :razz:

[Belfrybat]

Yikes! :eek: Is nothing sacred? Besides, being-a-dyed-in-the-wool Marmite eater, I am now concerned the same might happen to big M, as the ingredients and process are much the same. And this comes from an organization that allows Snackwells and other low fat junk?!?!?!?

We'll have to elicit your assistance in smuggling the contraband into the country!

[Mitra]

I was introduced to vegemite by some Aussie friends when I was a student :cool:. The only problem I have now is that it really need some toast to spread it on :(. I can only hope the EU isn't going to follow the FDA on this one!

[mcsblues]

Have you tried any of the microwave bread recipes? I have even developed one without using any of those things that get squeezed out of chickens!;)

As for the EU I would imagine Codex might make the Vegemite trade war look like a preliminary skirmish. :rolleyes:

[laughingW]

I love it! Do you guys have an equivalent to the FDA? Could you ban American-made soft drinks for having too much HFCS?

[Thedabara]

Say in isn't so!!!! I have 1 jar in the pantry! I lived in Australia some 25 years ago (cannot believe it's been that long!). I've been a vegemite fan ever since. Maybe I can have some friends smuggle some in for me!;)
Jenny

[Gaelen]

LOL...well, I've got a source for at least six units of Vegemite sitting sorta dusty on a shelf, if anyone stateside wants to stock up.

[mcsblues]

I love it! Do you guys have an equivalent to the FDA? Could you ban American-made soft drinks for having too much HFCS?We have the TGA ... much more reasonable!!:rolleyes::peeved::rolleyes:

I'm not sure we import a lot of food from the states. Soft drink is bottled here (like most other places) and we tend to use this new fangled sucrose stuff more than good old HFCS.;)

Actually, a more appropriate tit for tat trade embargo would involve an FDAland food item that is actually good for you (as Vegemite is) .... hmmm, do you guys actually make anything like that??:p

[gator8me]

I used to know what vegemite was but now can't recall. What exactly is it or in it?

Malcolm... microwave bread? pray tell!!! lol I want details!
Ally

[mcsblues]

http://www.souvenirsaustralia.com/images/vegemite%20115gm.jpg

Vegemite is a yeast extract. Its a beautiful colour (black!) and as you can see, one of the ironies of the current situation is it is now owned by Kraft who I think might just be a company from FDAland ;)

Microwave bread? You would probably get a multitude of versions if you did a Google search - here (http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=189970) is one thread from some inferior forum:p

Here is Sam's version (thanks Sam!)

" 100gs almond meal (i actually only used half that and it worked out fine, if a little thin)
25g melted butter
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.

Mix together. I put the mix into a square shaped Tupperware container that i have for storing sandwiches in. Nuke for 2 mins. turn out onto board and slice to make 2 slices - had that in the sandwich toaster with cheese and tomatoes this morning, yummo.

The other version had 3 tablespoons almond meal and 1 of LSA (I didn't have any ground flax, which i think would be much better) but the rest was the same. Tasted almost like grainy wholemeal bread - just had tuna pate and salad on that one, nice too."

(LSA is a mix of ground linseed (flax to you) ground sunflower kernels and ground almonds)

My eggless version changes a bit, but you could try this;

I use about 30g of linseeds (1/4 cup), grind them up with the Bamix and add 1/2 cup of boiling water and leave them to sit for a bit (that is the egg substitute) ... then just combine with the other ingredients. If you are using pre-ground linseed you could probably stick with 1/4 cup and maybe less water to make 'one egg'. The reason I use 1/4 cup of seeds is anything less doesn't grind to well with my machine.

Apart from that my ingredients for the bread (so far) are;

Almonds 50g (about 1/2 cup before grinding)
WPI 1/4 cup (about 20 - 25g)
Baking Powder 1 tsp
Cinnamon 1 tsp (I like hot cinnamon toast, also good for your BG - but you could add whatever spices like)
melted butter 25g (or substitute a spoon of softened cream cheese or cottage cheese)
Pinch of salt.

Mix everything into the 'egg' bit and microwave for 3 1/2 mins in a plastic sandwich box - mine is rectangular.

Makes 4 slices (cut across once and then split) - roughly 1 gram carb per slice.

Toast and slather with butter and Vegemite!http://www.empowerfoods.com.au/forums/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif (also great for bruschetta or cheese on toast)

One other variation is to sprinkle some dry yeast on top of the hot 'egg bit' - it won't rise, but it does give you the yeasty smell and taste.

[kevindill]

I had a freind in college from Australia, his Mum used to send him care packages with Vege-mite, that stuff was bloody awful. The only time I could eat it was after a "good pisser". I won't miss it, but I think its rather humorous in a sad way that it owuld be banned.

[abbey]

mmmmmmmmmmmmm all the more vegemite for me! When I spent time in the US I always took a jar of vegemite with me to disgust and terrify the natives

I have trouble believing they really want to ban it though.. how silly

[Mitra]

Janet - not an FDA-ite - may have heard of an inferior yeast extract product called 'Marmite'

I've been trying to avoid this, but I'm afraid it's been preying on my mind :( . I have to confess, even though Malcolm will lose all respect for me :( , but the truth is that I actually prefer marmite, and only eat vegemite when there isn't any marmite.

Phew, I've made my confession. I hope the Aussies will still speak to me :) .

[Thedabara]

Two things, one: I have found that most Americans who have tried Vegemite and do not like it tend to slather it on bread like peanut butter! Not everything needs to go on so thick!:)
And, two: Thank you! thank you! thank you Malcolm for the microwave bread recipes and the link....Wow! I know what i will be eating in the next few days, bread!
Jenny

[Belfrybat]

I've been trying to avoid this, but I'm afraid it's been preying on my mind :( . I have to confess, even though Malcolm will lose all respect for me :( , but the truth is that I actually prefer marmite, and only eat vegemite when there isn't any marmite.

Phew, I've made my confession. I hope the Aussies will still speak to me :) .

Actually, Janet, I'm with you. :) But, I was raised on Marmite sandwiches (remember "nursery teas" with Nanny?). I wonder if that's even done any more? I eat Vegemite as well, but only as a back-up. Sorry, Aussies, but we Brits have to stick together! ;)

[Mitra]

It's a relief to know I'm in such good company, BC :).

I was actually introduced to Bovril first, by my grandmother, when I was about 12 and was staying with her. I graduated to Marmite later, with a brief flirtation with Vegemite in between ;). As far as I'm concerned, the way to serve it is a thin smearing on top of lots of butter, on toast (or bread, or crackers).

I don't know if children have such things now the salt police are always watching :rolleyes:.

[mcsblues]

Well that would be OK if you just didn't know any better ... but you do!! :razz:

So what do you put it on?

Oh yes and I really hope the FDA don't have any spies here but Marmite has even more folate ... oops did I say that out loud?:p

BTW it is suggested that the Vegemite ban is a product of the FDA's belief in the theory that too much folate can mask vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly. If that is the case then they clearly haven't checked the label (Vegemite comes packed with B12 as well).

[Mitra]

These days my consumption is way down - I've had to go from the biggest jars to the smallest ones :(. My most common carrier is a rye cracker (about 3 ecc). If I'm feeling decadent and have the carbs to spare, I'll use a small slice of wholemeal bread or toast, which is about 12 ecc. Or an almond muffin.

I don't think the FDA has jurisdiction here yet - though the EU isn't always that much better :rolleyes: And as for the FSA :( the best we can hope for is that they'll never get their act together enough to force their views on the rest of us!

[Brad]

For those of you who are worried about this issue, the FDA doesn't seem to know about the ban.

http://www.snopes.com/food/warnings/vegemite.asp

[hawk]

Isn't yeast extract like MSG? When ever I see it on a pakage label, I put the product back on the shelf... I don't need to GIVE my self a headache!!
Besides..I am allergic to yeast!

[Dodger]

Call back the troops. We surrendered (http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20641599-1702,00.html).

US denies Vegemite ban

From correspondents in Los Angeles October 25, 2006 06:11am

AUSTRALIANS travelling to the US can breathe easy. So can the 100,000 or so Australian expatriates living in America.

The US government today dismissed media reports it had banned Vegemite.
"There is no ban on Vegemite," US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) spokesman Mike Herndon said.
Media reports at the weekend claimed American border officials were confiscating Vegemite from Australians as they entered the US.
The FDA, charged with policing America's food supply, has not issued an "import alert" to border officials to halt the import of Vegemite.
Mr Herndon said the FDA was surprised by the media reports.
The controversy centres on folate, an ingredient in Vegemite.
Under US regulations, folate can be added only to breads and cereals.
"One of the Vitamin B components (in Vegemite) is folate," Mr Herndon said.
"In and of itself, it's not a violation. If they're adding folate to it, boosting it up, technically it would be a violation.
"But the FDA has not targeted it and I don't think we intend to target Vegemite simply because of that."
Joanna Scott, spokesperson for Vegemite's maker, Kraft, 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".
But Mr Herndon said, "Nobody at the FDA has told them (Kraft) there is a ban".
To eradicate any grey areas or potential regulation breaches, Mr Herndon said, Kraft could petition the FDA, something other food manufacturers have done.
While many Aussies living in the US rely on visiting Australian relatives and friends to bring them a jar or two of Vegemite from Australia, the product is available in some US supermarkets.
The price slapped on Vegemite, however, is tough to swallow.
A tiny, four ounce jar of Vegemite sells for around $US4.80 ($6.33) in US supermarkets.

[mcsblues]

LOL You have to love the FDAese- it's not allowed, but it isn't banned, specifically, maybe.

In practice it appears that the 'it's not allowed' part, which yes. has been decreed by the FDA for some time, has now been put into effect at least by some arms of the FIC (fascists in charge) - a ruthless division of the FDA ;)

Bottom line is it is disappearing from shelves, but if anyone can come up with something in writing from the FDA to say I can go ahead and export a container load, let me know - at those prices I'd make a killing!

And Janet, try the (no guilt) microwave bread/toast idea .... hmmm perhaps we should start a competition for the best recipe?

[mcsblues]

BTW, just in case you are thinking I'm being a tad unfair to the FIC in FDAland, perhaps out of some misguided pride in our own 'experts' I can reveal that we are apparently having our own debate (http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/doubts-stall-moves-to-add-folic-acid-to-bread/2006/10/26/1161749260167.html) about folic acid fortification of flour ... in reverse :rolleyes:.

We do know that the fat, red meat and now folate deficient Rosie Stanton is as crazy as a loon, so for the time being I will continue to take a folic acid supp as well as Vegemite :eek: ... but I promise to report back as soon as the multiple births start! :p

[gator8me]

LOL malcolm you crack me up!
btw thanks for the receipes!
allyson

[Mitra]

And Janet, try the (no guilt) microwave bread/toast idea .... hmmm perhaps we should start a competition for the best recipe?

I haven't tried them yet - I haven't liked any of the LC "bread" recipes I've tried so far, and had more or less given up on them. But I'll give it a go. I need new jar of marmite, though - the old one is a bit too old, and is too sticky and hard to spread.

[Bogie]

http://www.slate.com/id/2152218/?GT1=8702

And just remember... We have people in our government who we have armed, and given the power to spend MILLIONS of dollars so that they can collect a tiny fraction of that in taxes.

You'd be surprised who is armed by the government too... Almost every bureau, including the FDA, has authorization.

[mcsblues]

But since Vegemite's folate is naturally occurring—brewers' yeast contains several B vitamins—it is not banned in America.

I actually read this article yesterday because The Slate is one of my regular sites for a more balanced view on world affairs. But sadly someone needs to explain to 'the explainer' that folate is not only naturally occurring in brewer's yeast it is also added to Vegemite (and Marmite) as are other B group vitamins (they are listed as ingredients) and since as the article details, this fortification is not authorised by the FDA it is, and has been for some time, technically a banned import. The only question is how seriously implemented this ban is in practice - and like Bogie says, which particular arm of the bureaucracy has recently given noticeable effect to the restriction.

[mcsblues]

It's spreading ...

(sorry couldn't help myself!)

I thought some of you might get some amusement from what supposedly passes for news (http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2011/05/26/233115_tasmania-news.html) in this neck of the woods ...

- and no, in case you are wondering, I'm most certainly not "the gnome of new town" (ah, you're going to have to look now! :p)

[gitfiddle]

It's spreading ...

(sorry couldn't help myself!)
That was terrible, Malcolm!

[mcsblues]

That was terrible, Malcolm!
Well I did apologise!:mad::tongue:

I must have just been overcome at 'our' Mary's predicament!:rolleyes:;)

[gitfiddle]

I must have just been overcome at 'our' Mary's predicament!:rolleyes:;)Quite! I'm sure she'll soldier along, though. ;)

[mcsblues]

I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt about your knowledge of vegemite soldiers ... otherwise that's and even worse pun!:jawDrop::tongue:

And yes, she also has to put up with a Prince who can't even get through his own wedding without blubbering (although heaven knows just about any royal wedding can drive the rest of us to worse ...) so, I'm sure she has quite a lot on her plate ... with or without the Vegemite. ;)

And to think she passed over so many much tougher, ruggedly handsome alternatives here ...

[gitfiddle]

I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt about your knowledge of vegemite soldiers ... otherwise that's and even worse pun!:jawDrop::tongue:I plead innocent of the pun, Malcolm, although I'm not above it. :D