For the record

Wayne Kondro

doi:10.1503/cmaj.090068

Salt down under

In Canada, broadcasters would declare it a national crisis. Such is the apoplectic state that has ensued in Australia after a national preventative health task force floated the proposition that Vegemite — a paste comprised of brewer's yeast, salt and other additives that is typically spread on toast — be banned as part of a bid to reduce national salt intake.

Even acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard weighed in, telling reporters that Vegemite would retain its place on breakfast tables as long as she has any kind of influence. “Vegemite is part of being Australian, part of our history, part of our future — and I'll be continuing to wake up in the morning and having it on my toast.”

The Australian division of World Action on Salt and Health estimates that, on average, Australian adults consume 9000 mg of salt daily. A 2004 Statistics Canada study indicated average Canadian intake was 3092 mg. The US Institute of Medicine recommends a maximum intake of 2300 mg. Image by: Photos.com

Said to be immune to spoilage because of its high salt content (8%–10%), Vegemite is a milder version of the British staple Marmite.

Australia's National Preventative Health Taskforce was charged with developing strategies to improve health and combat obesity, which is estimated to have cost the national health system A$8.3 billion (Can$6.9 billion) in 2008.

The task force issued a draft report last year proposing a national strategy aimed at making Australia the world's healthiest nation by 2020 (www.preventativehealth.org.au).

Targets included a reversal of obesity trends, a reduction in the prevalence of daily smoking to less than 9%, a 30% decrease in alcohol consumption, and measures aimed at eliminating the 17-year life expectancy gap between indigenous and nonindigenous peoples. The taskforce's final report is due in June.