The world has gone mad!

[krazykitkat]

Story via bantha_fodder. Didn't the Federal govenment insist on a Vegemite clause in the FTA???

From here:

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.

"(US authorities) have made a stance and there is nothing that can be done about it."


Mum just asked whether they can get around the ban by relabelling it as axle grease.

eta: and they only allow folate to be added to breads and cereals? I can understand legislating that it must be added to those foods, but to restrict it to only those foods? How does that make any sense?

Comments

[krazykitkat.livejournal.com]

???? I've sent Tim Tams to friends in US with no problem.

[sternel.livejournal.com]

You can't send food through the mails from Australia, according to the statutes on the books now. If you don't declare it, and the xrays don't catch it...well, ain't nobody needs to know. I still have a packet sitting here that's probably stale, but it's my last one and I keep putting off eating it because of that.

[krazykitkat.livejournal.com]

When did that happen? And that makes no bloody sense. Australia has the toughest quarantine laws in the world and we let most processed foods through.

[sternel.livejournal.com]

Was a year? Two years ago? And I don't think it has very much to do with quarantining, and more to do with economics, or some feeble grasp thereof.

[krazykitkat.livejournal.com]

Ummmm...I sent Tim Tams (declared) to NYC a few months ago. And I sent Tim Tams and other various chocolate to Oklahoma last year...no problems at all.

[sternel.livejournal.com]

Hmm. It's entirely possible they reversed it and I never heard. I try not to bug Kirstee too much, the postage gets expensive. 0=) I'll have to look into that.

[krazykitkat.livejournal.com]

I think I just found the legislation you were talking about, but then found this from here (http://www.parcelforce.com/portal/pw/content1?catId=26000671&mediaId=7800122):

The United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) have informed all parcel carriers that as from 12th August 2004, they are going to start strictly enforcing the legislation which was put into effect in December 2003. This will impact on all business customers exporting food items to the USA . Parcelforce Worldwide recommends that customers read the briefing fully.

The key change since its introduction is that whilst this legislation no longer applies to private individuals, it remains essential for all business customers; and the FDA are clamping down. Business customers must comply, or face parcels being returned to sender or destroyed.


and

All manufactured food and drink for human or animal consumption posted to the US by business customers, from countries all around the world, will be subject to prior notice being obtained before the item can be accepted for posting. The only exemptions are food made by an individual at home sent as a personal gift to an individual in the USA, and a manufactured item sent by a private individual. Businesses must comply with this legislation.

and from the US Embassy in Spain (http://madrid.usembassy.gov/fas/traveleren.html#3):

How do I send Parcels containing Food Gifts Through International Mail?

If you plan to send a food article by international mail, you must request and receive prior approval from the FDA. The parcel must be accompanied by FDA confirmation. For more information or to submit your request electronically

Among the food articles exempt from prior notice are:
* Homemade goods shipped as gifts
* Food contained in household goods
* Food (as a gift) shipped/mailed from an individual to an individual


I think they realised it was bloody ridiculous and impossible to police individuals.

[sternel.livejournal.com]

Or the postal workers complains. You do know the derivation of the phase "going postal," right? 0=)

Good to know, thanks!