Food Standards Agency
Monday 22 March 2010
Business campaign
AZ-Directory
What's NewRSS
What is RSS?Listen
Listen to this siteThursday 14 June 2007
about us
Today's open meeting of the FSA Board gave the Agency the go-ahead to prepare plans to add folic acid to some food, to make sure the number of babies born with neural tube defects (NTDs) is reduced.
Last month the Food Standards Agency's Board agreed unanimously that folic acid should be added to a food to help prevent NTDs, which can result in miscarriage, neonatal death or lifelong disability.
At today's open meeting, the Board discussed the practicalities of implementing mandatory fortification and controlling the voluntary addition of folic acid to products, such as breakfast cereals and spreads, to prevent over-consumption by some groups.
It gave the FSA a clear framework in which to work, to deliver a balance of benefits:
In doing so, the Agency should also:
The Board had already agreed that there should be clearer advice to those planning a pregnancy to take supplements.
The recommendation package will shortly be made to UK health ministers.
FSA officials will take forward implementation, involving a range of interested parties, in order to achieve the desired outcomes. The FSA’s Board will be kept up to date on progress.
FSA Chair Deirdre Hutton said: 'Having made our decision in principle last month, we have had a comprehensive discussion today about the practicalities. I think it is clear where the responsibilities now lie and it is for Agency officials to take forward the implentation of this package with industry and other stakeholders.
'This recommendation will prevent many birth defects and will have wider health benefits for the rest of the population.'
Back to topDownload pdf
(pdf 227KB) FSA Board paper, May 2007: Options for improving folate intakes of women of reproductive age and preventing neural tube defects Read the Board paperDownload pdf
(pdf 532KB)Find out what our other sites have to offer