King Charles III Australian tour: Outrage after Anzac biscuits labelled ‘cookies’ at royal reception
Menu planners at Parliament House in Canberra have caused outrage after renaming one of Australia’s national treats in honour of King Charles’ visit to the nation’s capital.
Royal watchers and online patriots have been quick to call out the menu, listing a dessert element as an Anzac cookie and not an Anzac biscuit.
The error has been labelled “insulting” and “criminal” which is not far from the truth as the national icon falls under the guide of the Department of Veterans Affairs and carries heavy copyright restrictions.
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Among a range of Aussie treats the biscuits are featured but have been labelled as “cookies” rather than the traditional biscuit a less traditional ‘slice’ name.
There are explicit regulations regarding the use of the word “Anzac”, particularly in terms of food.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Anzac biscuits must explicitly be called “biscuits” and never referred to as “cookies”.
“The use of the word ‘Anzac’ in the commercial production and sale of Anzac biscuits is usually approved,” the guidelines read.
“However the biscuits … must be referred to as ‘Anzac biscuits’ or ‘Anzac Slice’ (not ‘Anzac Cookies’).”
“That is shameful”, one person called out online.
Others went further and declared the mistake as “sacrilege” to the memory of Australian veterans.
“Insulting they called it a cookie when it’s an Anzac biscuit,” said another.
“(It’s) disrespectful to our Anzacs.”
To use the word “Anzac” about your baked goods, the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) says they can’t “substantially deviate from the generally accepted recipe and shape”.
That means the addition of non-traditional ingredients like chocolate or fruit, or crafting them in a novelty shape is out.
They must also be called “Anzac biscuits” or “Anzac slices” — never “Anzac cookies”.
A breach of these regulations could carry up to 12 months in prison or a fine.
