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Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Ribeiro (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 2 April 2014.


Health: Folic Acid Fortification

Question

My Lords, is my noble friend convinced that the evidence for introducing folic acid into white bread flour is irrefutable, given the fact that successive Governments have tried to introduce fluoride into water for all of us but have failed to do so?

Answer

My Lords, there are risks associated with the fortification of flour with folic acid. That was pointed out by the scientific committee and was why its recommendation was conditional on certain things taking place. As it pointed out, there is a potential for significant numbers of the population to be pushed above the guideline upper limit for folic acid. We have to take those issues seriously in reaching a balanced decision.


Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
753 c959 
Session
2013-14
Oral question type
Supplementary
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Additives Congenital abnormalities Flour Folic acid
Link
View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk