Bakers Applaud Government Decision on Folic Acid

The Government’s common sense decision to defer mandatory fortification of all New Zealand bread with folic acid is to be applauded, says Laurie Powell, President of the NZ Association of Bakers.  

We congratulate Prime Minister John Key and Food Safety Minister, Kate Wilkinson for this decision. In light of changing views of mandatory fortification around the world this is the right thing to do for all New Zealanders.

We have heeded the strong message from the Prime Minister and the Minister that it is up to the industry to make a voluntary scheme work.

Yesterday with the first combined meeting of the whole baking industry was the important first step to achieving that.

We have always supported a voluntary approach because rather than dose every loaf of bread a voluntary programme preserves choice for all New Zealanders.

It also means that we can work to target those breads which women of childbearing age actually eat, without the same concerns for other groups within our community.  

Once again we would like to congratulate Food Safety Minister, Kate Wilkinson for her efforts in what has been a momentous decision. I am sure a lot of kiwis out there are praising her for her leadership on this issue.

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