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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