King Charles III Australian tour: Outrage after Anzac biscuits labelled ‘cookies’ at royal reception

Matt Shrivell
The Nightly
The outrage was sparked after someone posted the menu on X.
The outrage was sparked after someone posted the menu on X. Credit: X

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.

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

The Federal government hosted its Parliamentary Reception for King Charles III and Queen Camilla as part of their royal visit to Australia on Monday evening, hosted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon.

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.

There are strict regulations regarding the name of Anzac biscuits. Facebook
There are strict regulations regarding the name of Anzac biscuits. Facebook Credit: Supplied

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.

Comments

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 05-12-2024

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 5 December 20245 December 2024

Big business boss warns households to pay price for Albo’s IR laws with aggressive strikes to inflame cost-of-living crisis.