There are few things more iconically Australian than slathering a thick layer of Vegemite on hot, buttery toast.

For many of us, it’s a taste of childhood, a staple in the pantry, and a non-negotiable part of the breakfast routine.

So, imagine the horror of reaching for your beloved black gold only to discover something lurking inside that definitely shouldn’t be there!


That’s exactly what happened to one Melbourne local who recently shared their unsettling experience on social media.

After eagerly awaiting their Woolworths delivery, they popped open a new jar of Vegemite—only to find a mysterious fingerprint pressed into the surface.

The lid, they noted, came off a little too easily, raising suspicions that the jar may have been tampered with before it even reached their kitchen bench.


'Was really looking forward to some Vegemite on toast,' the user lamented, adding a sad face for good measure.

'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!'

While the situation was enough to put anyone off their breakfast, the poster managed to keep their sense of humour intact.


'Obviously, it will be taken to the police for fingerprint analysis immediately; I can't let a crime like this go unpunished,' they joked.

'Now I have to have strawberry jam on toast, and that's just not the same.'

The post quickly attracted attention, with fellow Aussies chiming in with a mix of jokes and genuine concern.

'Extra flavour,' quipped one commenter, while another suggested, 'Obviously, the driver came across a Drop Bear and had to think quick.'

But not everyone was amused. 'Ew. Get your money back,' urged another, while some questioned the depth of the print and speculated about what could have caused it.

So, what’s really going on here? Is this a case of product tampering, a manufacturing mishap, or just a one-off oddity?


The original poster did some sleuthing of their own, returning to the store to check the other jars they’d purchased.

Shockingly, two out of three jars had lids that popped off with little effort, and one even had similar marks inside.

'For anyone who cares, this is a product defect for sure,' they reported. 'I've reported to Woolies, Vegemite, and the ACCC product safety line.'

Vegemite’s parent company responded swiftly, confirming they were in contact with the customer and taking the matter seriously.

'We are in contact with the author of a recent post shared by a Melbourne Reddit user concerning a jar of VEGEMITE which they believed to have been tampered with,' a spokesperson said.

'We take such matters seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety and quality of our products.

We are actively investigating the case and remain dedicated to upholding the high standards that VEGEMITE is known for.'

Incidents like this, while rare, are a good reminder to always check your food packaging before tucking in—especially if something seems off.

If you notice a broken seal, strange marks, or anything that makes you uneasy, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Most supermarkets, including Woolworths and Coles, have robust refund and replacement policies for faulty or tampered products.

And don’t forget you can also report food safety concerns to the ACCC or your state’s food authority.

While stories like this can be unsettling, it’s important to remember that Australia has some of the strictest food safety standards in the world.

Product recalls and investigations are taken very seriously, and companies are quick to act when something goes wrong.

That said, manufacturing defects can and do happen from time to time, whether it’s a loose lid, a missing safety seal, or—heaven forbid—a rogue fingerprint.

Always check the seal on jars, bottles, and packaged foods before opening. If a lid comes off too easily or you spot anything unusual, don’t consume the product.
Have you ever found something strange in your groceries? Did you get a refund, or did it put you off your favourite food for good? We’d love to hear your stories—share your experiences in the comments below.

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