Folic Acid
Commons · Question 11338 · Tabled 18 Jun 2026 · Department of Health and Social Care · Official record
Answered 1 Jul 2026
Question
Asked by Joshua Reynolds
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what is the evidence base for mandatory fortification of white flour with folic acid; what consideration has been given to potential risks associated with long term population-wide exposure; and if
Answer
Answered by Sharon Hodgson, 1 Jul 2026
Government laid legislation in England on 14 November 2024 to introduce the mandatory fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid. The policy is estimated to prevent approximately 200 babies being born with neural tube defects each year. Le...