There are few things more quintessentially Australian than cracking open a fresh jar of Vegemite, slathering it on hot toast, and savouring that unmistakable salty tang.
But for one shopper, the morning ritual took a bizarre turn when they discovered something decidedly un-Australian lurking beneath the lid.
The Melbourne shopper, who had ordered their groceries online from Woolworths, shared their baffling find on social media, complete with a photo that left fellow Australians both amused and alarmed.
There, pressed into the iconic black spread, was a fingerprint—inside an unopened jar.
‘Was really looking forward to some Vegemite on toast,’ the post began. ‘Woolies just dropped off my order, and the Vegemite opened a little too easily with the ring intact… I looked in thinking it would be fine and there’s a fingerprint!’
The post quickly gained traction, with social media users offering a mix of tongue-in-cheek advice and genuine concern.
Some joked that the fingerprint might add ‘extra flavour’, while others suggested simply scraping off the top layer and carrying on.
But for many, the idea of a mystery print in their beloved breakfast spread was a step too far.
‘I wouldn’t eat it just because it’s kinda gross and you don’t know what else they’ve done with it,’ one user commented, echoing the unease felt by many.
The response: From joke to investigation
The shopper, undeterred by the online banter, decided to take action.
‘Obviously it will be taken to the police for fingerprint analysis immediately, I can’t let a crime like this go unpunished,’ they quipped.
But behind the humour was a real concern: How did a fingerprint end up inside a sealed jar?
Was it a manufacturing mishap, a case of tampering at the supermarket, or something else entirely?
Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, the shopper returned to the same Woolworths branch and inspected other jars on the shelf.
To their surprise, they found three more jars with lids that could be easily removed—one of which also bore suspicious marks in the spread.
This suggested a possible ‘product defeat’, where the seal or packaging process might have failed, allowing for accidental or even deliberate contamination.
What did Vegemite and Woolworths say?
Taking no chances, the shopper reported the incident to Woolworths, Vegemite, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) product safety line.
Vegemite responded promptly, confirming they were ‘actively investigating’ the matter.
‘We take such matters seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety and quality of our products,’ a spokesperson said.
‘There is no evidence to suggest a widespread problem. We are actively investigating the case and remain dedicated to upholding the high standards that Vegemite is known for.’
What can consumers do?
This incident is a timely reminder to always check the seals on packaged foods before tucking in.
If you notice anything unusual—whether it’s a broken seal, strange markings, or a product that doesn’t look or smell right—it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Most supermarkets, including Woolworths, have robust refund and replacement policies for such cases.
Reporting the issue helps manufacturers identify and address potential problems quickly.
What’s toast without Vegemite?
Of course, for many Australians, the idea of having to swap Vegemite for strawberry jam on their morning toast is almost unthinkable.
As the original poster lamented, ‘That’s just not the same.’ And we couldn’t agree more!
While the investigation is ongoing, the unusual case has certainly sparked a mix of curiosity and concern among shoppers.
It also raises broader questions about product safety, packaging integrity, and the measures in place to ensure consumer confidence—particularly when it comes to trusted household staples.
Have you ever come across a similar packaging issue or unexpected surprise from an online delivery order? How do you usually handle such situations, and what actions would you take if you were in this shopper’s position? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
looking at the photo of the jar and lid, the lid still has the Seal attached.
The Seal and Lid are supposed to separate when the Jar is Opened !!!