THE Scottish Government has agreed with Welsh Government, Northern Ireland Executive, and the UK Government to take forward the fortification of flour with folic acid.
Responding to announcement Public Health Minister Maree Todd said:
“The Scottish Government has long advocated for the mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in foetuses. I am pleased to confirm today that the Scottish Government will proceed with a four nations approach to introduce mandatory fortification of flour.
“Women trying to become pregnant are recommended to take folic acid supplements to increase folate levels. However, with over half of pregnancies unplanned, fortification is an important measure, which will help to raise folate levels in women and reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
“The Scottish Government will now work together with Food Standards Scotland and the other administrations of the UK to engage with stakeholders on the details of the fortification and labelling requirements, including on appropriate lead-in times.
Welcoming the announcement Chief Medical Officer for Scotland Gregor Smith said:
“This is a welcome step for public health. The evidence shows that fortification is a simple and effective way to help to reduce the risk of neural tube defects by improving folate levels in women who could become pregnant. And importantly it will help us reach people with the lowest folate intakes, often younger women from the most socioeconomically deprived areas.
