Humanists UK has welcomed the UK Government’s announcement that folic acid will be added to non-wholemeal flour. This is a significant public health benefit which is expected to save lives and lead to fewer cases of serious and fatal foetal abnormalities.
Folic acid is crucial in the early stages of pregnancy for the proper development of the neural tube and reducing incidents of neural tube defects (NTD) like anencephaly, which is usually fatal in the womb, or causes death shortly after birth. Around 80% of women who receive such a diagnosis choose to terminate their pregnancy. Until now, the onus was on women who were hoping to become or who were pregnant to take folic acid supplements in the UK. This meant that many women, including those on low incomes or who were not aware that they were pregnant, were not getting enough folic acid. As a result, the UK is believed to have the highest rate of NTDs in Europe.
Humanists UK has long advocated this measure, recognising it as a positive step towards public health and ensuring that vulnerable populations are better protected. In 2016 we supported All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group member Lord Rooker’s private members’ bill, The Bread and Flour Regulations (Folic Acid) Bill. In 2018 we welcomed the Welsh and Scottish Government’s commitment to add folic acid to flour.
Humanists UK supports evidence-based policies in public medicine and public health and interventions that are calculated to improve health and wellbeing for all, with the addition of folic acid in flour being one example.
The new legislation will require millers and flour producers to fortify non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid from the end of 2026. This policy aligns the UK with other countries, such as the United States and Canada, where folic acid fortification of flour has led to significant reductions in the incidence of NTDs.
Humanists UK’s Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
‘We welcome the UK Government’s decision to require flour producers to add folic acid to non-wholemeal wheat flour. This is a simple measure but one that has huge positive public health implications, with the potential to save hundreds of lives every year in the UK and prevent much of the unnecessary suffering caused by neural tube defects.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959.
Read the UK Government’s announcement.
Read our story on the Welsh and Scottish Government’s commitment to adding folic acid to flour.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 120,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.