An item spotted on a “sweet platter” menu at the parliamentary reception for King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Canberra on Monday could actually be illegal.
The “Anzac cookie” appears to breach regulations protecting the word “Anzac”, by calling the iconic biscuit a cookie.
According to government guidelines, Anzac biscuits “must not substantially deviate from the generally accepted recipe and shape, and must be referred to as Anzac Biscuits or Anzac Slice, not Anzac Cookies”.
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Misuse of these guidelines can incur financial penalties or up to 12 months imprisonment if guilty under the Protection of Word “Anzac” Act 1920.
The regulations do not just dictate desserts.
Any official or corporate use of the word “Anzac” requires the direct prior approval of the Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel, unless it is used on, or in direct connection with, April 25.
The reception, hosted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Parliament House Great Hall, was attended by federal and state members of parliament, eminent Australians and representatives from the King’s charities.
The “Anzac cookie” joined a long list of native dishes and ingredients on the menu, which appears to have been designed to give the royals a taste of Australia on their visit.
But the un-Australian name given to the oaty sweet treat was quickly flagged.
“Excuse me, what is an Anzac ‘cookie’?” one person asked as they shared an image of the menu on X on Monday.
7NEWS.com.au has contacted the Department of Parliamentary Services for comment.