Public consultation to consider folic acid fortification
A public consultation process was announced today to seek the views of the public on the possible fortification of food with folic acid.
The food would be fortified to reduce the prevalence of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida in Ireland.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and the Department of Health and Children - working together through the National Committee on Food Fortification with Folic Acid - will oversee this initiative.
Anyone with an interest is urged to make their views known before June 24, 2005.
In addition, the publication of a new information leaflet on folic acid and a dedicated website - www.folicacid.ie - have been developed where people can access information, view the public consultation document and submit their opinions.
Ireland currently has one of the highest incidences of NTDs in Europe. NTDs are a group of severe birth defects, such as spina bifida, that can develop in babies during the first weeks of pregnancy.
Approximately 1-1.5 per 1,000 births nationally are affected by NTDs. It is established that taking folic acid, a B vitamin, four weeks before conception and for 12 weeks after conception, can help reduce the risk of NTDs.
Folic acid like most vitamins cannot be made in the body; it is found in some vegetables and fruits.
Women of childbearing age are advised to take a folic acid supplement every day to help reduce the risk of NTDs.
Commenting on the consultation, Tanaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney said: "This is a nationally important consultation. I would urge people to review the consultation document, access the dedicated folic acid website, and make their views known on the fortification of food with folic acid.
"The outcome of the consultation will be dictated by the views of Irish people and will lead to a policy decision that should reduce the number of births affected by NTDs in Ireland in the long-term."
