Former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd held up at airport by jar of Vegemite

Former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd was held up on his way to New York by a jar of Vegemite in his hand baggage.

Officials at Mexico City's airport became suspicious when they spotted a jar of dark brown paste in the politician's hand luggage.

Rudd - who is now the country's foreign minister - called upon local diplomats to help him explain that the contents of the jar were harmless.

He wrote on his Twitter page: "Only problem travelling to NY is that they tried to confiscate our Vegemite at the airport. Needed Foreign Ministerial intervention."

Rudd later added: "Re: Vegemite Q's. Airport staff were surprised when I said it is good for you & I ate it for breakfast. They then waved me through."

Launched in Australia in 1922, Vegemite is a dark brown spread made from used brewers' yeast extract. It bears some similarities to Marmite, although Vegemite is said to have a less intense flavour.

Men at Work's international hit single 'Down Under' references a Vegemite sandwich in its second verse.

> Marmite banned in Denmark
> Australian PM, witch doctor 'cure' Harry Kewell

Watch the video to 'Down Under' by Men at Work below: