School bans Marmite over salt concerns

by Staff, Brand Republic 10-Oct-08, 09:00

LONDON - A Welsh primary school has banned Marmite from its 'breakfast club' menu because it is deemed to be too salty.

The spread, which is marketed with the strapline "Love It Or Hate It?" had been part of the menu on the Pontrhydfendigaid primary school's breakfast club, which encourages children to eat a proper breakfast.

It has now been removed because of nutrition guidance provided by the Welsh Assembly.

Marmite is high in salt, although the serving used to spread on toast -- around 2g -- will give 0.22g of salt. Children under the age of 10 are recommended to restrict salt intake to under 4g a day.

Parents at the school have criticised the ban, arguing that it is the nanny state going too far. One parent told reporters: "If children like the taste of Marmite and it encourages them to eat breakfast then that is a good thing."

Unilever, owner of Marmite, has said that it is disappointing it had been removed from the menu.

A spokesperson said: "Marmite is not harmful -- only a small amount is required to make toast tasty for children."

Comments

CF - 10/10/2008

This is ludicrous. It's Marmite full of B vitamins? Unless eating teaspoons of Marmite becomes a new craze among primary school children, this is the most ludicrous thing I've ever heard.

CF - 10/10/2008

Sorry, that's 'isn't'

David Llewelyn-Jones - 10/10/2008

I concur, Claire, this is silly. Stupid Welsh people, with names like "llewelyn"...

jezwaspsrule - 10/10/2008

There's pretty, breakfast of the future isn't it?

Tony Attwood - 11/10/2008

It's strange that in our society it is perfectly ok to say "Stupid Welsh people, with names like 'Llewelyn" - but even when being ironic about one's own name it would be unacceptable to make a similarly self-deprecating joke about being black with a name like Winston.