THE United States has slapped a ban on Vegemite, outraging Australian
expatriates there.

The bizarre crackdown was prompted because Vegemite contains folate, which
in the US can be added only to breads and cereals.
Expatriates say that enforcement of the ban has been stepped up recently and
is ruining lifelong traditions of having Vegemite on toast for breakfast.

Former Geelong man Daniel Fogarty, who now lives in Calgary, Canada, said he
was stunned when searched while crossing the US border recently.

"The border guard asked us if we were carrying any Vegemite," Mr Fogarty
said.

"I was flabbergasted." Paul Watkins, who owns a store called About Australia
in San Antonio, Texas, said he had been forced to stop importing Vegemite
six months ago.

"We have completely stopped bringing it in," he said.