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Folic Acid Fortification of Flour

18 November 2024

Proposing MP
Andrew Gwynne Ind
Gorton and Denton
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
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TAGS
Northern Ireland

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The UK government has laid legislation to fortify flour with folic acid to reduce neural tube defects in pregnancies.

Action Requested

The Government is implementing a policy through the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 in England, and similar legislation will be brought forward soon in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The changes will come into effect across all four nations in December 2026, giving industry two years to implement the necessary adjustments.

Key Facts

  • Legislation was laid on Thursday 14 November to fortify flour with folic acid.
  • Flour is already fortified with calcium, niacin, thiamine and iron.
  • The policy will reduce around 200 neural tube defects each year.
  • The implementation period for industry is 24 months starting December 2026.
  • Collaboration has taken place with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and devolved governments.
  • Existing pregnancy advice to take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid will continue.
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