14 Comments
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DragonTiger's avatar

There are reasons for approval processes. However, if a food item is allowed in another country, then the reference to that approval should be a way to fast-track approval with CFIA.

I know Health Canada was relying on the US FDA for many approvals especially since it does take time.

I believe that reviewing of several decades of legislation and highlighting areas for update is a classic area where AI tools can be of use... offline AI tools maintained in-house along with human experts. And this for many government departments. But, like any other tool, it should be appropriately and responsibly used and any recommendations it produces should be reasonably reviewed and signed off on before implementation.

As for vegemite, having been a fan of the Australian band Men At Work, i tried it. *shudder*

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Réjean Grenier's avatar

I understand and support your push for culinary freedom and your anti bureaucratic message but who in hell eats vegemite? It’s awful. Lol

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Réjean Grenier's avatar

Both acquired tastes I suppose.

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Canadian Returnee's avatar

People who cannot get Marmite or dislike Marmite. That and Australians living in Canada

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Réjean Grenier's avatar

Don’t get me going on Marmite. That is absolutely foul. lol

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Mariel Schooff's avatar

Marmite is still available and it's essentially the same thing.

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Canadian Returnee's avatar

That is weird and annoying to Australians living here

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Trish Findlay's avatar

I wasn’t allowed to use the herbs I grew in my garden to dry and blend for seasonings and yet massive amounts of dried herbs come into Canada from China where there is no way of knowing under what conditions they are grown. That put paid…. literally to my venture, not only by Public Heath regs but my house insurance.

On another personal note re vegemite… we had “rent-a- neighbours,” years ago, an Australian teacher and his family exchanged home and job for a yr. They had two little girls. We had a spaniel who always cadged for food and would eat anything. The two little girls were sent outside with vegemite on toast. The spaniel declined to share their treat. Let the Aussies eat their traditional spread. It’s such a small market and they’ve thrived on it, apparently. Beware the horrendous chemicals in the average American product!!!

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Forrest K's avatar

Vegemite is available at retailers in Halifax. Specifically Pete's and Sobeys. Not sure about elsewhere in N.S.

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Trish Findlay's avatar

Good to know… ? Nope… have Aussie rellies but gackkkk… nope, never, nah, … like I said, even the spaniel didn’t like it! It was DECADES ago and my tongue to brain reflex still shudders.

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Garth Jolly's avatar

While I agree that Vegemite’s vitamin B content should certainly not be an issue, one could argue that it’s taste should be classified as a hate crime.

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Canadian Returnee's avatar

It is a bureaucratic embarrassment and a sign the government has not changed with the times

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PhilsThom's avatar

Maaate? Stone the crows and jolly my jumbuck.

No Vegemite in Canada?

It’s a true Aussie icon, desperately missed by all expats.

This, after I made sure to buy only real Canadian maple syrup at the local deli.

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Canadian Returnee's avatar

Yes this is an odd one

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