An Australian Inmate is Suing Prison to Eat Famous Spread Again

An Australian inmate has launched an unusual legal battle, arguing that being denied access to Vegemite violates his basic cultural rights.

Convicted murderer Andre McKechnie is suing the prisons commissioner in Victoria after the salty black spread—banned since 2006 due to fears it could be turned into prison-made alcohol or used to hide contraband—was withheld from him.

Citing human rights protections that guarantee the ability to enjoy one’s culture, McKechnie points to Vegemite’s deep roots in Australian identity and history, stretching back to its creation in Melbourne a century ago.

The spread’s cultural reach is vast: it’s been celebrated as heritage, sent into space, and featured at a “disgusting food” museum, sparking a debate over whether prison restrictions should override cultural expression.