The UK government has approved legislation requiring non-wholemeal wheat flour to be fortified with folic acid, with the new rule set to take effect by the end of 2026. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) stated that this move will prevent 200 cases of neural tube defects annually and improve the health of pregnant women.
The fortification will be similar to policies already in place in the United States since 1998. The Food Fortification Initiative (FFI) noted that while many European countries have not yet adopted such measures, the majority of North and South America have made folic acid fortification mandatory.
The law’s passage follows years of advocacy from organizations such as FFI, The Queen’s Nursing Institute – Scotland, and Shine, which supports families affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus. FFI worked closely with the UK government to gather support for the policy, including through a 2019 public consultation showing strong backing from industry leaders and stakeholders.
Flour in the UK is already fortified with nutrients like calcium, niacin, and iron. The DHSC expects the addition of folic acid to reduce neural tube defects by 20%, saving the NHS £20 million over 10 years and boosting the economy by £90 million.
Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, emphasized that while flour fortification is a significant public health measure, pregnant women should continue taking folic acid supplements as well. The regulation will apply across the UK, with separate mandates expected for Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
