British Nutrition Foundation statement on folic acid fortification
The British Nutrition Foundation is aware of recent public discussion regarding the fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid.
We continue to support folic acid fortification as an important public health measure to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects, including spina bifida, in babies. The policy is expected to help prevent around 200 pregnancies affected by these serious birth defects each year in the UK.
Despite longstanding recommendations that women take folic acid supplements before conception and during early pregnancy, many pregnancies are unplanned and many women enter pregnancy with folate levels below those considered optimal for reducing the risk of neural tube defects.
The recommendation to fortify flour with folic acid follows decades of scientific review, risk assessment and consultation, and has been considered extensively by independent expert bodies, including the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN).
We recognise that some people have questions about mandatory fortification. Both the potential benefits and possible risks have been carefully evaluated over many years. Repeated reviews by expert advisory bodies have concluded that the benefits of fortification substantially outweigh any potential risks.
Based on the available evidence, the British Nutrition Foundation supports folic acid fortification as a safe, proportionate and effective public health intervention. Individuals who wish to avoid fortified flour can choose alternatives such as wholemeal flour and wholemeal bread, which are not subject to the mandatory fortification requirements.
We will continue to support advice that women who may become pregnant consume a healthy, balanced diet and take appropriate folic acid supplements before conception and during early pregnancy
About the British Nutrition Foundation
Connecting people, food and science for better nutrition and healthier lives
The British Nutrition Foundation is a charity that strives to prevent diet-related illness and promote health and wellbeing through evidence-based nutrition science. It provides a bridge between nutrition science, government, industry, healthcare, education and people, and is a conduit to a healthier, more sustainable food environment for all.
The British Nutrition Foundation’s team is made up of highly qualified and experienced nutrition scientists and educators who work to disseminate evidence-based peer reviewed research findings which: support industry strategy and healthy, sustainable product innovation; inform government policy and regulations; and help people build their knowledge, skills and confidence in making positive, food and lifestyle choices to help prevent illness and disease and promote health and wellbeing.
We safeguard our independence through robust governance, with an independent Board supported by an Advisory Committee and a Scientific Committee, both of which draw upon a broad range of experts from academia, government, industry, and public life. Our governance is weighted towards the scientific community, universities, and research institutes, and those from education, finance, media, communications, and HR backgrounds.
Funding for the British Nutrition Foundation is from membership subscriptions; donations; project grants from food producers and manufacturers, retailers and food service companies; conferences; publications, training, trusts, and foundations. The British Nutrition Foundation is not a lobbying organisation, nor does it endorse any products or engage in food advertising campaigns.
More details about the British Nutrition Foundation’s work, funding and governance can be found here.
Share this page