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takyon [soylentnews.org] writes:

Scotland may mandate adding folic acid to flour in order to reduce birth defects [bbc.com], a change that would likely end up affecting bakeries across the entire United Kingdom:

Scotland is considering whether to add folic acid to flour as concern mounts that there could be an increase in birth defects while the Westminster government delays a decision. Any move by Scotland could lead to folic acid being added to flour-based products UK-wide, as this would be the easiest solution for commercial bakers.

Folic acid plays a crucial role in preventing neural tube defects such as spina bifida. But 85% of women don't take enough.

Government advisers have recommended adding folic acid to flour for 16 years but the Department of Health says it is still "considering the matter". In the meantime, some food manufacturers have reduced the amount of folic acid they add to other foods, such as cereals, in anticipation of the fortification of flour. Experts say that this means children are at higher risk of birth defects.

The Scottish government says it would have preferred a UK-wide approach but has grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress. It is particularly concerned as unplanned pregnancies are more common in deprived communities. Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said: "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. 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.

Here's an editorial [heraldscotland.com] in favor of fortifying flour.

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