I just found out that Vegemite is banned in the States.

There's an American site called About Australia where you can buy and send gifts of Australianism to people. You know, that Aussie shit like packets of Tim Tams, jars of Vegemite, and drizabone oil skin coats. Obviously there's a huge need for this stuff out there, especially the coats. I guess it's kinda reassuring that you can get Burger Rings and a pair of Kangaroo leather skin gloves to eat them with, I suppose. Anyhow, in case you're wondering, I found the site because my sister has recently taken a job up on a resort in Florida, somewhere, and for a kick, I thought I'd send her Tim Tams. I'm all about the low effort angle of this, so of course, I found a website so I didn't have to drive to the supermarket and buy a pack and post 'em (actually, I figured postage would be much cheaper). Around the same time, however, Deb Layne (deborahlive), my fine and lovely publisher, had a birthday, and I thought, "I can send her a jar of Vegemite!"

Yeah, I did decide this while I was sick and running a fever last week. What of it? Come on! Who wouldn't want a jar of pitch black spread that is made from whatever is left over when they make beer? Who could turn such a thing down!

Except of course, Vegemite cannot legally be imported into the States anymore because it contains Folate.

Whatever that is.

EDIT: Folate is a vitamin B source, apparently, so it shouldn't be banned. Am I being scammed? The site is apparently a store in Texas, and I've yet to find any reports of scam, but I've queried them and we'll see what is said soon.

Gotta love the smart folk on blogs who educate you when you're just plain stupid, though.

EDIT 2: So, my order got canceled, which is good, and I haven't been charged anything, so I think it's just all a strange weirdness. Here's the email the site sent me in response to my query:

"G'Day Ben,

Thank you for replying back.

Unfortunately we can not consider your comments. All question and inquiries
are more than welcomed at the United States Government's website concerning
(FDA) Federal Department of Agriculture's laws and regulations. I am sure
they have plenty of answers to problems that we cannot solve nor control. We
apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

Your order has been successfully cancelled.

Have a nice day."