The UK introduced new legislation (November 14) that requires millers and flour producers to fortify non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid from the end of 2026.
The measure aims to protect babies from serious brain and spine problems and improve the health of pregnant women. It is estimated that it will prevent around 200 cases of neural tube defects every year. The new measures will come into force at the end of 2026.
Flour un the UK is already fortified with calcium, niacin, thiamine and iron to improve public health. “The move to include folic acid will reduce neural tube defects by 20% in the UK and improve the health of pregnant women. It will also deliver savings of around GBP 20 million to the NHS over 10 years and boost the economy by more than GBP 90 million over 10 years,” the gov.uk announcement highlights.
The NHS recommends that women who are trying for a baby take folic acid supplements for around 3 months before getting pregnant and for at least 12 weeks after becoming pregnant. This recommendation will remain in place after the new regulations on flour are brought in. It is estimated that half of all pregnancies in the UK are unplanned. The new regulations will help provide women with a higher baseline intake of folic acid, better protecting their babies in all scenarios.
Folic acid deficiency is a leading cause of neural tube defects, which can cause a large number of debilitating conditions in developing babies before birth, including spina bifida.
Professor Chris Whitty, England’s Chief Medical Officer, said: ”The fortification of flour is a simple and effective way to help reduce cases of neural tube defects, although it is important that women who are pregnant or intending to become pregnant continue to take folic acid supplements before and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.”
Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said: ”Shifting care from sickness to prevention is one of the leading ambitions in our 10 Year Health Plan, as we work to make our NHS fit for the future. These measures are a simple and effective intervention to improve health outcomes in babies, giving them the best start in life.”
Baroness Merron, Minister for Patient Safety, Women’s Health and Mental Health, said: ”Fortifying bread and flour with folic acid will help reduce neural tube defects and give women greater peace of mind throughout their pregnancy.”
The Minister for Food Security, Daniel Zeichner, also shared a comment: “When it comes to public health, prevention will always be better, and cheaper, than a cure. Fortified flour has been providing our country with a public health boost for 80 years and this latest collaboration across government will help give the nation’s children a strong start in life. We are grateful to the industry for their efforts to support a smooth transition, with manufacturers having a 24-month transition period to adjust their processes.”
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