As the then Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Folic Acid Fortification in Westminster I worked with others to secure the start of the consultation on folic acid being added to flour in June 2019.
I am very pleased it has lead to this momentous announcement.
When in 2019 the government announced it was consulting on this proposal on a UK wide basis it represented the biggest step forward for years.
Obviously the intervention of the Covid pandemic has held things up but I am absolutely delighted that the Government has secured agreement across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for this to now be commenced.
Other major nations have been fortifying flour for many years. The scientific evidence is crystal clear that this move produces significant advantages and will prevent the birth of many babies who otherwise might be born with neural tube defects including spina bifida and anencephaly. It has been the norm in the USA since 1998. Long years of study have shown there are no real side effects. Currently women are recommended to take foil acid supplements but research shows that women from poorer areas are less likely to take such supplements and many pregnancies are unplanned.
So the Government’s decision to proceed and to bring the whole of the UK into line with the rest of the world means this is a truly historic day and will benefit the lives of countless children yet to be born."
Dodds welcomes success in Folic Acid campaign
20 Sep, 2021
DUP Peer Lord Dodds said, "The announcement that Folic Acid will be added to bread is very welcome and comes after years of campaigning to have this life saving measure introduced throughout the UK.
