The Department of Health has introduced legislation that will see
folic acid added to non-wholemeal flour in Northern Ireland in
order to protect newborn babies from serious brain and spine
problems.
The move follows measures to update Bread and Flour Regulations
across the four nations following a UK wide consultation. The
changes to the existing Bread and Flour Regulations (Northern
Ireland) 1998 were made via a Statutory Rule.
The new measures will come into effect from 2026, to allow
businesses to prepare for the change.
Health Minister, said: “This change to
legislation makes it a requirement for producers to add folic
acid to non-wholemeal flour to provide better protection from
serious health problems.
“This approach has been adopted in over 80 countries world-wide
and the benefits are well documented. The fortification of
non-wholemeal wheat flour is expected to prevent around 200 cases
of debilitating brain and spine defects in babies in the
United Kingdom per year.
The introduction of provisions that could see such a reduction in
preventable serious health issues for newborns and help to
support the health of the population overall are very much
welcomed and public support has been evidenced in responses to
the UK wide consultation. My Department will continue to work
closely with the Food Standards Agency and other stakeholders in
preparation for the measures coming into effect.”
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Michael McBride has welcomed
the introduction of legislation in Northern Ireland. He
said: “Folic acid deficiency is a leading cause
of neural tube defects, which can cause a large number of serious
and debilitating conditions to babies in the womb, including
spina bifida. These changes will aim to reduce the
incidence of Neural Tube Defect (NTD) affected pregnancies by
increasing dietary intake of folic acid for women who could
become pregnant.
“It is vital to highlight the importance of taking folic acid
supplement for all women who could become pregnant, before
conception and up until the 12th week of pregnancy. This
fortification of flour is intended to supplement, and not
replace, that advice.”
Professor Susan Jebb, Chair of the Food Standards Agency said "I
really welcome the introduction of legislation for folic acid to
be added to non-wholemeal flour. The Scientific Advisory
Committee on Nutrition (SACN) has consistently recommended
that this will help reduce the incidence of neural tube defects
and I am pleased that the FSA has been working with Department
for Health to support the implementation of this important
policy. The legislation also introduces new measures to provide
clarity to support industry to comply with the legislation and to
assist enforcement authorities. By working in partnership we can
achieve tangible public health improvements."
Full details of the measures being introduced to the Bread and
Flour Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 are available at
The Bread and Flour (Amendment)
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024(external link opens in a new
window / tab).
