UK Flour to be fortified with Folic Acid

The Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus welcomed today’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) Board’s decision to see flour fortification with folic acid implemented throughout the UK. The FSA’s aim is to recommend to government that the widest possible range of flours be fortified, whilst preserving the consumers’ choice to buy non-fortified flour if they wish.

The FSA will now work with the milling and baking industries to clarify detailed recommendations to the Health Ministers in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. ASBAH stressed that it is essential to avoid administrative delays, which would lead to the unnecessary birth of seriously impaired babies.

ASBAH’s Chief Executive, Andrew Russell, said, “We have a rare opportunity through folic acid to improve the nations’ health and prevent many babies being born severely disabled. We urge government to move ahead quickly to implement the FSA’s recommendations.”

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Editors Notes:

Spina Bifida occurs very early in pregnancy when the spine and brain are being formed. It is a fault in the development of the spine, which fails to close properly. Spina bifida often results in paralysis below the fault resulting in severe disability.

Hydrocephalus, a major secondary complication of spina bifida with excess fluid pressure in the brain, which can cause brain damage if not treated promptly.
The Association for Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus is a national charity directly helping over 15,000 people with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, and their families in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

ASBAH’s Helpline on 0845 450 7755 helps thousands individuals and families every year on all issues concerning spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Source: Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, (ASBAH)
42 Park Road, Peterborough, PE1 2U

Contact: Andrew Russell, Chief Executive
Tel : 01733 421365
Fax : 01733 555985
website: www.asbah.org
e-mail: andrewr@asbah.org