New Zealand introduces mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid

Beginning in mid-August this year, the New Zealand government will require all wheat flour for baking bread produced or sold in the country to be fortified with folic acid, according to World-grain.

According to the government, the introduction of mandatory flour fortification for non-organic bread "will provide consumers with adequate support to increase their folic acid intake, since bread is the staple food for the majority of the population."

It is also noted that in 2014 the New Zealand Bakers' Association agreed to fortify 25% to 50% of bread with folic acid through a Code of Practice. But these rules will no longer be valid when this requirement becomes mandatory.