Vegemite To Be Restricted In Schools To Allow For Healthier Canteens!

The NSW government has released a list of foods they would like to see restricted in schools in a bid to create healthier canteens across the state.

While foods such as Nutella, soft drinks and fairy bread we can understand what has left us baffled is the inclusion of the iconic Aussie spread – VEGEMITE!

According to the new information, Vegemite can only be used in ‘small amounts.’ Not quite sure what that means but it doesn’t sound promising. The only reason we can think of as to why it’s been included is it’s high sodium content. But surely all the benefits- hello VITAMIN B- far outweigh the negatives?

Besides, what are parents meant to put on sandwiches these days anyway? We cant do peanut butter because of allergies, no jam or honey as there’s too much sugar and we’ve all been scared of deli meats due to their high sodium content! I don’t know about you, but for me Vegemite was always the healthy option for school lunches. Who doesn’t love a good old cheese and vegemite sandwich?

Other items such as chicken nuggets, schnitzels, sausage rolls and pies have also been relegated to the ‘occasional’ items on the school menu.

The Government says it aims to reduce obesity by five per cent by 2025 and the Education Department has concluded these treats can’t make up more than 25 per cent of the menu.

They’ve suggested adding healthier alternatives such as rice paper rolls, vegetable soup, hummus and bean and corn salad.

Education Minister Rob Stokes said it was time the government started backing up their words to reduce the fatty and salty foods on school menus.

“We can’t teach good ­nutrition in the classroom and then sell rubbish in the playground,” Mr Stokes says.

However, Liberal MP Peter Phelps has slammed the decision, labelling New South Wales the “nanny state”.

What do you think? Are we turning into a nanny state? Does Vegemite really belong in the ‘occasional foods’ column?