New legislation being introduced by the Government will require millers and flour producers to fortify non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid from the end of 2026.
Folic acid deficiency is a leading cause of neural tube defects, which can cause a large number of serious and debilitating conditions to babies in the womb, including spina bifida. Around 200 cases of debilitating brain and spine defects in babies every year will be prevented by fortifying non-wholemeal wheat flour.
Flour 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 £20 million to the NHS over 10 years and boost the economy by more than £90 million over 10 years.
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. This government is determined to support women and turn around maternity outcomes so every child can live a long, happy and fulfilling life."
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.
Professor Chris Whitty, England’s Chief Medical Officer, said: "The fortification of flour is a simple and effective way to help to 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."
The government is continuing to engage with the food industry to support them to implement the changes, which will apply to the whole of the UK. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will introduce their own regulations in due course.
