Video by Ursula Arens (Dietetics and Nutritional Science Expert) 2025
After over 30 years of campaigning, Shine is delighted that on 14th November 2024, a new law was passed to make fortification of non-wholemeal flour with folic acid mandatory.
This will reduce the number of pregnancies affected by neural tube defects. This move, following the initial announcement in September 2021, marks a pivotal moment in public health and preventative care.
Folic acid supplementation is clinically proven to reduce the chances of a Neural Tube Defect (such as Spina Bifida or Anencephaly) developing during pregnancy by up to 70%. Shine continues to work with and for our members and with partner organisations to educate and support the public as we prepare for the introduction of this legislation coming into force by the end of 2026.