Folic acid fortification of bread recommended in Ireland

Tuesday 30 November 1999

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has announced that a specialist subcommittee has recommended mandatory addition of folic acid to most bread flour there. Similar action is expected in the UK, where consultations on the subject are in progress.

Bread, being part of most people’s diet, is a simple means of bringing this vital nutrient to consumers. It is especially pertinent to women of child bearing age, where a folate deficiency in early pregnancy can give rise to severe birth defects, including spina bifida.

Eclipse offers a UKAS accredited test for folate, using the Biacore Surface Plasmon Resonance technique. Results are typically available in 7 working days but, by prior arrangement, can be ready 2 working days after receipt of samples. Contact sales@eclipsescientific.co.uk or 01354 695858