Europe - A new battle begins

ASBAH’s campaign to get flour fortified with the vitamin folic acid in the UK is not yet won, but it believes it is close to success after 15 years of lobbying and publicity.

But the battle to see flour fortified throughout Europe is just beginning and UK experts are backing colleagues who are determined to see mandatory fortification across the Continent.

The International Federation for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus (IFSBH) convened a high-level meeting in Brussels in early November to plan a campaign.

ASBAH’s Chief Executive Andrew Russell said: “ASBAH and the UK took a
leading part in the symposium because of its long experience in this matter, which
we hope will make the journey easier for our European friends.”

As well as Spina Bifida Associations, the meeting consisted of scientists and doctors, senior representatives of the international milling industry, and the European Commission.

Generously hosted by PR company Fleishman-Hillard, the meeting concluded that each country will have to fight its own battle, because the European Commission does not have the power to impose such food regulations.

However, a co-ordinated approach will be vital to making the case scientific, and convincing the doubters that fortification is the only responsible and effective public
health policy, and is a golden opportunity to improve health in Europe in the 21st century.