A convicted murderer serving a life sentence in Australia is taking legal action against a ban on Vegemite consumption in Victoria’s prisons, arguing it infringes on his cultural rights as an Australian. Andre McKechnie, 54, claims the prohibition, enforced since 2006, denies him the ability to ‘enjoy his culture.’ State authorities justify the ban by citing concerns that inmates might use the strong-smelling spread to mask contraband or brew alcohol. McKechnie, who was convicted for the 1990s murder of a Queensland property developer, is suing Victoria’s Department of Justice and Corrections Victoria, seeking to overturn the ban and alleging inadequate food provisions for his well-being. The case is set for trial next year. Vegemite, a yeast extract-based spread invented in Melbourne in 1923, is a cultural icon in Australia, despite its polarizing taste. In 2022, Melbourne recognized the aroma from a local Vegemite factory as part of the city’s cultural heritage. However, its divisive flavor has also earned it a spot in Sweden’s Disgusting Food Museum. Earlier this year, Vegemite sparked an international dispute when a Canadian cafe owner was ordered to remove it from shelves due to non-compliance with local health regulations. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese intervened, leading to the reversal of the decision.