A Sydney delicatessen has come under fire on social media for selling ‘ANZAC cookies’ made with cauliflower.
Ella’s Wisdom launched the ‘Paleo and vegan friendly’ cookies in January 2015 ahead of ANZAC Day – a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand.
But the business has attracted criticism for using the word ‘ANZAC’ on its product, which failed to conform to the traditional recipe.
Under the Australian government, products with the word ‘ANZAC’ cannot be used for commercial purposes without permission from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.
Sydney delicatessen Ella’s Wisdom has been slammed for selling ‘ANZAC cookies’ (pictured) made with cauliflower
The shortbread biscuit contains almonds, cauliflower, organic sugar and desiccated coconut
Ella’s Wisdom issued an apology on Monday, saying they were unaware about the regulations around the use of the word ‘ANZAC’
The shortbread biscuit contains almonds, cauliflower, organic sugar and desiccated coconut.
The product is free from gluten, dairy, eggs, peanuts, soy, corn, sugar, artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.
Many have taken to the company’s Facebook and Instagram page to accuse the company for using the word ‘ANZAC’ inappropriately.
Ella’s Wisdom issued an apology on Monday, saying they were unaware about the regulations around the use of the word ‘ANZAC’.
‘We just become aware of this issue, we had no idea about the fact that was a protected term,’ the company said.
‘When we started selling our cookies at the markets people started referring to them as Anzac cookies so that’s how we called them.
‘We did not mean any disrespect to the country we love and we simply wanted people with different dietary requirements to enjoy some Anzac like cookies as well.
‘We sincerely apologise for any hurt feelings this might have caused.’
The traditional ANZAC biscuits contain rolled oats, wheat flour, desiccated coconut, sugar, butter and golden syrup
The product is free from gluten, dairy, eggs, peanuts, soy, corn, sugar, artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
The company claimed they have never received any complaints over the two years of delivering their stocks to stores around Australia.
‘They are already in plan to be discontinued from the month of November and be replaced with different cookies,’ the company said.
‘I have sent an email to the [Department of Veterans’ Affair]… The DVA has already spoken to us, they’ll be sold until stock lasts then renamed.’
The traditional recipe of ANZAC biscuits contain rolled oats, wheat flour, desiccated coconut, sugar, butter and golden syrup.
The biscuits are historically associated with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) established in World War I.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ella’s Wisdom and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for comment.
CAN YOU USE THE WORD ANZAC?
The traditional recipe of ANZAC biscuits contain rolled oats, wheat flour, desiccated coconut, sugar, butter and golden syrup
RULES FOR USE OF THE WORD ANZAC:
- Cannot be used for commercial purposes without ministerial approval
- Cannot be used to name your boat, house, building or car without approval
- No importation of Anzac goods without approval
- Approval is normally given for businesses that operate on a road with the word Anzac, such as Anzac Highway in South Australia
- Anzac biscuits must conform to traditional recipe and shape but usually approved
- Approval usually given if Anzac is not trivialised and company donates to ex-service community organisations such as the RSL
PENALTIES FOR MISUSE
- Maximum penalty of 12 months imprisonment for serious breaches
- $10,200 fine for individuals
- $51,000 fine for corporations