Folate decision delayed
22 May 2006
The fortification of baked goods with folate may be delayed after the Food Standards Agency requested more time to review evidence on dosage, despite a positive preliminary report last month. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) says it needs more time to look at additional evidence of the risks and benefits of fortification, which means the FSA is unable to go ahead with its consultation planned for this month. The FSA last considered mandatory fortification in 2002, but the SACN decided not to adopt it at that time because of concerns that folate consumption in excess of 1mg per day could delay the detection of vitamin B12 deficiency in older people.