New UK flour law for Aldi, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Lidl

A new law will be introducing affecting flour being sold in UK supermarkets. Folic acid is so be added to non-wholemeal flour to protect newborn babies from serious brain and spine problems in a move that'll prevent around 200 cases of neural tube defects every year and improve health of pregnant women.

New legislation being introduced today will require millers and flour producers to fortify non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid from the end of 2026. The move to include folic acid will reduce neural tube defects by 20% in the UK and improve the health of pregnant women.

It will also deliver savings of around £20 million to the NHS over 10 years and boost the economy by more than £90 million over 10 years. Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said: "Shifting care from sickness to prevention is one of the leading ambitions in our 10 Year Health Plan, as we work to make our NHS fit for the future.

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"These measures are a simple and effective intervention to improve health outcomes in babies, giving them the best start in life." Baroness Merron, Minister for Patient Safety, Women’s Health and Mental Health, said: "Fortifying bread and flour with folic acid will help reduce neural tube defects and give women greater peace of mind throughout their pregnancy.

"This government is determined to support women and turn around maternity outcomes so every child can live a long, happy and fulfilling life." Professor Chris Whitty, England’s Chief Medical Officer, said: "The fortification of flour is a simple and effective way to help to reduce cases of neur al tube defects, although it is important that women who are pregnant or intending to become pregnant continue to take folic acid supplements before and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy."

Minister for Food Security, Daniel Zeichner, said: "When it comes to public health, prevention will always be better, and cheaper, than a cure. Fortified flour has been providing our country with a public health boost for 80 years and this latest collaboration across government will help give the nation’s children a strong start in life.

"We are grateful to industry for their efforts to support a smooth transition, with manufacturers having a 24-month transition period to adjust their processes."