Compulsary Fortification of White Flour

SSBA has welcomed scientists' recommendations for the compulsory fortification of white flour with folic acid and along with ASBAH, (Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephlus covering England and and Ireland) are campaigning for UK residents to lobby their MP's to add their support to the campaign.

The report, published on December 12 2006, by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) found that adding folic acid to bread or flour is the most effective way of protecting pregnant women against neural tube defects.

Each year up to 1200 pregnancies in the UK are affected by Neural Tube Defects - 85% of which result in termination. Around 150 severely disabled are born with spina bifida. Taking folic acid supplements, at the correct dose, could prevent over 75% of these pregnancies from being affected.

The Food Standards Agency has now launched a 13-week public consultation - which ends on 13 March 2007 - setting out 4 options for improving the intake of the vitamin folate for women of child bearing age. The mandatory addition of folic acid to bread or flour is one of four options being considered by the agency. It is the only option which will make a significant difference for the many unplanned pregnancies diagnosed with neural tube defects which result either in termination or the birth of a disabled child.

The FSA will take account of SACN's report plus responses received during the public consultation before advising health ministers on the issue later in 2007.

To see the Food Standards Agency website and the four options proposed click here.

To download a press release from the SSBA click here