Hon Ruth Dyson
Health Spokesperson

Labour welcomes folic acid introduction

Labour today welcomed news that the National Government is going ahead with the introduction of folic acid to bread, Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson says.

“Adding folate to bread is expected to reduce the number of children born with conditions such as spina bifida in New Zealand.

“The Labour Government considered a great deal of information before deciding to move ahead with the introduction of folate to bread.

“This was a joint decision with Australia and is one which will provide ongoing health benefits for New Zealanders.

“Folate occurs naturally in grains but is extracted during the bread making process. Folate fortification simply puts it back.

“While fortification alone will not be enough to provide the recommended daily dose of folate for pregnant women, it will make a difference.

“I look forward to the introduction of folate. However, I am disappointed that Food Safety Minister Kate Wilkinson has attempted to turn this into a political issue.

“For Labour this issue was always about health not politics,” Ruth Dyson said.

ENDS

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