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But oh my f**** god!

My mum who was recently here with us in Canada had an interesting experience at US customs (because that's a big shock these days) She came carrying my beloved Vegemite from home to keep me in good supply and was some what given the third degree about this interesting substance which primarly is had on toast, but has a few other uses as well. Now I know most of you North Americans think it's gross and have a multitude of names for it, but for a kiwi kid it's as common as peanut butter or jam, and actually really pretty good for you.

This morning I received an email from "Canada Kiwi's" which is a contingent living mainly in and around the lower mainland and we get interesting news of things going on around BC that are "kiwi", sporting events, functions that sort of thing. In this morning little news letter was the following story.... I just HAD to post this after what happened to Mum.

VEGEMITE HORROR!

BE WARNED! The NEWS story below is true.
US CUSTOM'S QUESTION AUSSIE OVER VEGEMITE An Australian's accent was suspicious enough for US customs officials to question him about smuggling contraband.

But, rather than drugs or guns, the officers were looking for the much-loved Australasian spread Vegemite, the Geelong Advertiser reported. "We thought they were joking but it was real," Australian Daniel Fogarty told the newspaper. The incident happened on the Canada/US border. "We went down to Montana and were crossing the border, they searched everybody's car as they do and after they searched asked if we were carrying any Vegemite."
On this occasion, neither Mr Fogarty nor his partner, Sarah Egan, were carrying the banned substance. "We were completely shocked. Normally Sarah wouldn't travel far without Vegemite but for some reason we didn't have it." The vitamin-packed yeasty condiment was outlawed because it contains added folate. US laws state the B-group vitamin, which is used by the body to make new cells, can only be added to bread and cereals.

* I'm in shock! Does this mean every time we bring back black gold from the homeland we're international smugglers?!!!

* And does this explain why it's suddenly not on the shelves here any more? Suffering from withdrawal, Charles Wallis wrote in recently in a panic about where to get his next Vegemite hit. Charles was particularly distraught as he'd found this letter :

NATIONAL IMPORTERS INC.

SERIOUSLY?!?