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UK Wedding News

22/01/2016

Scottish Govt Calls For Folic Acid To Be Added To Flour

The Scottish Government has called for folic acid to be added to flour in response to concerns of an increase in birth defects.

According to reports, Maureen Watt, Public Health Minister, has called on the UK Government to make a decision on the "important issue" regarding the addition of folic acid to flour.

Ms Watt is quoted as saying: "We are disappointed that, despite repeated lobbying from a number of sources, there has been no progress at UK level on mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid.

"Low folate levels among pregnant women are one of the chief causes of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. This is a particular concern in some of our more deprived communities, where rates of unplanned pregnancy are higher.

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"The Scottish Government has been convinced of the case for mandatory fortification for some time. Folate levels are a concern across the UK, but particularly so in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

"To maximise the impact of mandatory fortification, and in line with recommendations from SACN and the Food Standards Agency, we believe that a UK-wide approach would be most effective."

She concluded: "I have recently written again to the UK Government to press for a decision on this important issue. I, along with my counterparts in Wales and Northern Ireland, will consider how we might progress this should a decision not be forthcoming from the UK Government."

It is understood the UK Government has said the issue is still under consideration.

Statistics have revealed that as many as 85% of women are not consuming enough folic acid.

(JP)

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"The Scottish Government has called for folic acid to be added to flour in response to concerns of an increase in birth defects."