The inclusion of Anzac 'cookies' on the menu for Australia's parliamentary reception for King Charles and Queen Camilla has sparked outrage, because it breaches the guidelines for how the biscuits must be referred to.
Dignitaries were treated to an array of treats during the event at the Great Hall of Parliament House and hosted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon on Monday afternoon.
Guests had a choice of savory and sweet canapes, including crab cake, arancini and cheesecake and an 'Anzac cookie'.
There are explicit regulations regarding the use of the word Anzac, particularly in relation to 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').'
The mistake was quickly called out online.
'Excuse me what is an Anzac 'cookie'?' one woman wrote on X.
The 'cringe' move was slammed by many online, with some labelling it as an 'abomination' and 'illegal'.
'That is shameful', one person lamented.
Some argued it was 'definitely a faux pas', while others called the mistake 'wrong' and '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.'
Parliamentary Services and the Department of Veterans' Affairs were approached comment.
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