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Written question asked by Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 10 September 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Folic Acid: Prostate Cancer

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition will review evidence published since 2017 on the relationship between folic acid and prostate cancer before mandatory fortification begins.

Answer

The issues raised by the Hon. Member for Surrey Heath have been dealt with in answers to previous written questions. Most recently, I refer him to the answers provided on 10 July in response to Question 15320 and on 15 July in response to Question 16699.

The mandatory addition of nutrients to flour is not a new concept, as non-wholemeal wheat flour is already required to be fortified with calcium, iron, niacin, and thiamin. Responsibility for enforcing the updated Bread and Flour Regulations remains with local authorities. UK-wide guidance for food businesses and enforcement authorities on compliance with the current requirements, including the mandatory fortification of non-wholemeal flour with folic acid, was published in April 2025, and is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bread-and-flour-labelling-and-composition

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
24840
Session
2026-27
Related items
Folic Acid
Friday, 10 July 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Folic Acid
Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Prostate cancer Folic acid
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk