http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/08/09/09/08/the-sad-reason-vegemite-could-be-pulled-off-shelves-in-remote-communitiesVegemite could be stripped from shelves in remote areas across Australia according to reports the spread is being used to make large batches of alcohol.
The government is reportedly placing pressure on dry communities in Queensland and other areas throughout Australia to restrict the sale of the famous salty yeast spread.
The product is reportedly being used to make large amounts of alcohol in bathtubs and backyards and contributing to issues of domestic abuse and child neglect.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion told the Courier Mail vegemite was the “precursor to misery” admitting it would be “terrible” to have to ban the Aussie favourite from the shelves.
Police Union president Ian Levers told the newspaper questions needed to be asked when people were buying suspicious amounts of odd products.
“Where there is a will, there is always a way and in Indigenous communities I have seen alcohol brewed from many things such as Vegemite,” he said.
“Common sense needs to take place and if people are purchasing large quantities of an item that could be used for brewing illegal alcohol, questions should always be asked.”
Rather than creating new legislation the government wants businesses in those communities to take responsibility of the problem and restrict the bulk sale of Vegemite and any other products high in yeast.
Senator Scullion said the government was currently in the process of educating community businesses.
“We are in discussion with many communities, particularly in term of community-owned stores, not only about healthy products, but about products that are used as precursors to the production of alcohol.”
Alcohol is banned and restricted across 19 communities in Queensland.
Read more at
http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/08/09/09/08/the-sad-reason-vegemite-could-be-pulled-off-shelves-in-remote-communities#gCICPHTCCg0XtY66.99
