Scotland to be consulted on updated Bread and Flour regulations

Scotland is to be part of a UK-wide consultation on proposed amendments to the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998, which requires the addition of certain nutrients to non-wholemeal wheat flour to protect public health.

The 12-week consultation, which launches today (1 September), is being led by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), in collaboration with The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Wales and Northern Ireland (NI).

The consultation seeks views on proposals to make adjustments to the nutrients currently added to non-wholemeal wheat flour, and the addition of folic acid, with the aim of improving public health outcomes for Scotland and the wider UK population.

The addition of folic acid to help reduce the incidence of foetal neural tube defects follows a previous consultation and an agreement by the Scottish Government, UK Government and devolved administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland, to proceed with its mandatory fortification.

The package of proposals being put forward will lead to improved public health, support UK industry, assist enforcement authorities and protect consumers.

Geoff Ogle, Chief Executive Officer at FSS, commented:

“This consultation marks an important stage in the process of ensuring that the regulations covering bread and flour in Scotland, and the rest of the UK, are fit for purpose and, critically, support public health.

“A key part of this consultation is the addition of folic acid to help prevent foetal neural tube defects. There is strong evidence that many such defects can be prevented by women increasing their intake of folic acid before conception and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

“This consultation gives the public and stakeholders an opportunity to comment on all aspects of the proposed amendments to help shape the policy across the four nations.”

Minister for Public Health Maree Todd said:

“Scottish Ministers have long advocated mandatory folic acid fortification of flour as the best way to reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening spinal conditions in babies.

“Women who are pregnant or who are planning a pregnancy are advised to take folic acid supplements however, more than half of pregnancies are unplanned so fortification is an important measure which will help to raise folate levels and reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

“The measure would also help ensure that we reach women in areas of deprivation – where folic intake is lowest.

“This consultation is a further step towards achieving this commitment of mandatory flour fortification.”

You can find out more about the details of the consultation and take part by visiting the DEFRA website. The consultation closes on 23 November.