FOLIC ACID FORTIFICATION

Early day motion 989, tabled 12 March 2002 by Helen Clark (Labour). Signed by 37 members.

That this House urges the Government to bring to the UK population the health benefits of increased folic acid consumption, through the fortification of flour with this vitamin, which is already available in the United States and Canada as a result of British research; recognises that this simple measure would not only reduce the incidence of spina bifida, but could also reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes and help prevent Alzheimer's Disease throughout the population; expects the Food Standards Agency to act urgently in recommending measures to the Department of Health for the implementation of flour fortification, in line with the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy report of January 2000; and congratulates the Association of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus on its continuing campaign to highlight the benefits of folic acid fortification in the UK.

Signatures by party: Labour 20, Liberal Democrat 9, Labour/Co-operative 3, Conservative 2, DUP 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.