UK mandates millers to fortify non-wholemeal flour with folic acid by 2026

UK – The UK government has announced new regulations mandating the addition of folic acid to non-wholemeal wheat flour beginning in 2026.

This decision, which is expected to prevent around 200 cases of serious birth defects annually, places the UK among other nations such as Australia, Canada, and the United States, which have long implemented similar measures to address neural tube defects (NTDs).

NTDs, including spina bifida and anencephaly, are serious conditions caused by improper development of the neural tube during early pregnancy.

These conditions can result in lifelong disabilities or, in severe cases, be fatal. Folic acid, a synthetic form of the essential B vitamin folate, is critical for early fetal development, particularly in forming the brain and spine.

Addressing folic acid deficiency

While the National Health Service (NHS) advises women planning to conceive to take folic acid supplements for three months prior to pregnancy and during the first trimester, this approach has not been sufficient to prevent many NTD cases.

Research suggests that nearly half of all pregnancies in the UK are unplanned, leaving many women without adequate folic acid levels during the critical first weeks of fetal development.

Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, highlighted the preventive nature of this initiative.

 “Shifting care from sickness to prevention is one of the leading ambitions in our 10-Year Health Plan,” he said. “These measures are a simple and effective intervention to improve health outcomes in babies, giving them the best start in life.”

The decision to fortify flour with folic acid comes after decades of research and successful outcomes in other countries.

Australia and Canada, for instance, have reported reductions of up to 50% in NTD rates since implementing mandatory fortification in the 1990s.

In the UK, the measure is expected to lower the incidence of these conditions by 20%, resulting in improved quality of life for affected families and significant economic benefits.

The new policy will not only reduce healthcare costs—estimated to save £20 million over the next decade—but will also boost the economy by £90 million due to healthier outcomes and reduced disabilities.

Revisiting the bread and flour regulations

The initiative is part of a broader overhaul of the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998, led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in collaboration with devolved administrations and the Department of Health and Social Care.

These updated regulations aim to ensure greater clarity and compliance in nutrient fortification while modernizing standards to meet public health goals.

Smaller millers producing less than 500 metric tonnes of flour annually will be exempt from the fortification requirements, and improvement notices will be introduced to address compliance issues more efficiently, reducing reliance on criminal proceedings.

Professor Chris Whitty, England’s Chief Medical Officer, underscored the importance of combining fortification with continued public health advice.

“The fortification of flour is a simple and effective way to help to reduce cases of neural tube defects, although it is important that women who are pregnant or intending to become pregnant continue to take folic acid supplements before and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy,” he stated.

Health advocacy groups have celebrated the announcement as a victory for public health. Kate Steele, CEO of Shine, a charity supporting individuals affected by spina bifida, expressed gratitude after more than three decades of campaigning for mandatory folic acid fortification.

“This very important public health initiative will reduce the number of babies affected by spina bifida and other neural tube defects,” Steele said, noting that it will make such a difference to so many lives.

The food industry has begun preparing for a two-year transition period to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.