Folic Acid Fortification Deferred

Mandatory fortification of folic acid in bread will be deferred until May 2012.
National agrees with public health advocates that folic acid is beneficial to the health of
women and can prevent neural tube defects in babies, but we also understand consumers
overwhelmingly want to be able to choose whether or not the bread they buy is fortified.
Representatives of the baking industry have said they are prepared to develop a voluntary
code targeted at increasing women’s intake of folic acid, particularly at child-bearing age.
This approach will provide for consumer choice while also helping to address folate
deficiency and increase the protection for babies resulting from unplanned pregnancies.
During the consultation period, 124 submissions were received. To see a summary of the
submissions, visit: http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consultation/folic-acid/index.htm
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