Concerned Australian official calls Vegemite a 'precursor to misery'

It's Australia's most misunderstood food product, and one government official claims it could also be contributing to "antisocial behavior" in some communities.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion said that Vegemite, the much-maligned salty spread with brewer's yeast as a key ingredient, is being purchased in bulk and used to make moonshine, the BBC reports. Scullion called it a "precursor to misery," and said in remote areas where alcohol is banned due to addiction concerns, Vegemite sales should be restricted: "Businesses in these communities...have a responsibility to report any purchase that may raise their own suspicions." He also said in some areas, children are drinking too much of the Vegemite-based alcohol, and are so hungover they can't attend school.

One person not on board the anti-Vegemite train is Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who called the product "reasonably nutritious," adding, "This is a deregulatory government and the last thing I want to do is to have a Vegemite watch."

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