13/06/2019

Proposal To Add Folic Acid To Flour Consultation Underway

A formal consultation on a proposal to add folic acid to flour will begin today, 13 June, as part of a UK-wide initiative.

North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds welcomed the start of the consultation, which will run for 12 weeks, closing on Monday 09 September 2019, and is open to all via Gov.uk.

Mr Dodds, who is Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Folic Acid Fortification, has been a long-term support of the proposal.

Mr Dodds son, Andrew, was born with spina bifida and died in 1998, just before his ninth birthday.

The DUP MP said: "It is widely recognised that taking the B vitamin folic acid during pregnancy can help prevent certain brain and spine birth defects, known as neural tube defects.

"The most effective way of increasing intake across the population is through the fortification of flour with folic acid, which has been shown to have no side effects.

"Since folic acid fortification was introduced in the United State of America in 1998, it is estimated that around 1,300 babies are born each year without an NTD who might otherwise have been affected.

"As Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Folic Acid Fortification at Westminster, I warmly welcome that formal statutory consultation is now getting underway."

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 September 2021
Folic Acid To Be Added To Flour
Folic acid to be added to flour to help prevent life-threatening spinal conditions in babies, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced. The Northern Ireland Executive in line with the rest of the UK, has agreed that folic acid should be added to non-wholemeal wheat flour.
27 July 2015
NI Women Urged To Take Folic Acid Daily
Women who are sexually active in Northern Ireland and who could become pregnant are being reminded of the need to take folic acid daily. A new Safefood campaign has been developed to encourage women to take folic acid supplements to help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine including spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
19 November 2024
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.