Illegal Marmite?!
Illegal Marmite?
I've just read an answer that called Marmite was Vegemite that the FDA made illegal. Why would they make it illegal?? I have to know!
Answers:
According to records of FDA's OASIS (Operational and Administrative System for Import Support), Marmite's (specifically from UK) labeling is non-compliant to US regulation and Vegemite (again, specifically from UK) has an unsafe coloring by US standard, as well as having labeling problems. The two are not banned. I believe that imports of them are not permitted, but they are not banned, as in you may consume them at your own risk.
Source(s):
http://www.fda.gov/ora/import/oasis/home...
http://www.fda.gov/ora/oasis/2/ora_oasis... (Vegemite)
http://www.fda.gov/ora/oasis/8/ora_oasis... (Marmite)
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacati... (customs prohibited items)
http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps3025/... (USDA Travelers' Tips)
from:
http://www.newstarget.com/020902.html......
You can no longer buy Vegemite in the USA. (If anyone knows of a retailer still selling it in the USA please post.). If you ask retailers why they no longer sell it they will tell you that this is the result of FDA regulations regarding folate which is only permitted to be added to breads and cereals in the US. I contacted the FDA and was told that they have not "banned" Vegemite but that importation of Vegemite into the US commercially was not permitted because of the folate issue. (Not sure what the difference is...sounds like a ban to me!) There has only been one report of Vegemite being confiscated at the Canadian border (the incident that started all the media frenzy) and the FDA states that they have not issued an alert to customs agents to confiscate Vegemite so unless you encounter an agent on a power trip, you're likely to be able to bring in a jar or two from overseas for personal consumption as long as you are not planning to sell it to others in the USA. (Haven't testing this out myself yet but the worst scenario if you declare it is that they will take it off you and you'll just be out the price of the Vegemite). Anecdotally, people are still having it sent to them in care pacakges from Australia and it's getting through.
Hope this helps and good luck tracking some down for your friends.
Cister has it right on Vegemite! I know that folks say they find it online or in stores but I'll tell you that about 8 years ago my son tried to bring me a case of the large pots (glass jars) back from an assignment to Australia. When he arrived in the US and customs found the Vegemite he was arrested for attempting to smuggle a prohibited substance. It took around 10 grand to get the case settled (plus lots of legal fees). I guess we should have raised a big stink with the press
I regularly get Marmite through a friendly health food store. They order me a case of the large jars and usually stock the small ones! I've seen Marmite for sale at a few Safeway and affiliated stores in their ethnic section. I've never had a problem getting Marmite in the US or the 'third sister' Promite.
Marmite lovers unite! This is madness.
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.