In one of the most puzzling news from Europe, Danish authorities have banned Marmite, a British savoury spread fortified with added vitamins. Since 2004, Denmark has a law restricting products fortified with added vitamins. It was just a matter of time for Marmite, which joined other brands on Denmark’s list of prohibited products: Horlicks, Vegemite, Ovaltine and Farley’s Rusks.
The ban has already caused a storm on Twitter, and other social media sites, with users criticizing the move, and not always with the friendliest tone. Some suggested that Britain should ban Lego and Carlsberg, to give Copenhagen a taste of its own medicine.
Marmite: rich in Vitamin B which is good for the brain. Denmark: home of Lars Ulrich. The worlds richest man without a brain. – tweeted @LittleTimmkins
Many users seem to believe in the power of the social network to determine Denmark to reconsider their decision: we can smash the Danish Marmite ban. Let’s Tweet Marmite to Denmark! Somehow!! #marmite – tweeted @Aiannucci
Banning Marmite is not going to make Denmark very popular with the community of expats who enjoy this product. In fact, according to Marianne Ørum, Marmite was amongst the best sold products in her store. Previously, Ørum was ordered to stop selling Australian Vegemite, another product fortified with vitamins.
“What is at issue here is that people in Denmark are not allowed to eat what they want to eat, even if it is perfectly legal to do so under EU law,” Ørum told The Guradian.
Denmark is known for puzzling laws and puzzling marketing strategies. If you don’t remember, Visit Denmark once promoted the country to potential tourist with a controversial video. While other countries struggle to attract foreigners and boost tourism, Denmark is somehow trying to alienate its own citizens.