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The proposal, which has been under discussion for several years, aims to prevent congenital anomalies, including spina bifida and anencephaly, by increasing folate intake in pregnant women.
"My priority is to ensure that, if introduced, we are certain that it is safe and beneficial for all"
Steve Brine
The consultation will begin in early 2019 to review the evidence relating to folic acid fortification, as well as the practicality and safety. The decision has been debated in the UK for at least a decade, but today's announcement is closest to the fact that it has so far become a policy.
The government pointed out that it had gathered evidence on this from its Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). He noted that about 700 to 900 pregnancies were affected by neural tube defects each year in the UK.
He cited the current tips for women trying to become pregnant, advising them to take 400 micrograms of folic acid a day before conception and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, previous research has indicated that this advice is ignored.
In addition, in the UK, about half of all pregnancies are unplanned. As a result, many women lack these nutrients early in their pregnancy, warned the government in a statement.
He added that flour fortification projects with folic acid were seen as an effective way to achieve the lowest folate intakes, for example younger women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The consultation will also consider whether there are risks for other members of the general public, the government said.
"The introduction of compulsory flour fortification will bring the UK closer to many other countries"
Clare Livingstone
These include determining whether an additional amount of folic acid in the diet will mask the diagnosis of conditions such as pernicious anemia, which is a deficiency in the production of red blood cells .
Public Health Minister Steve Brine said, "All women should be able to access the nutrients they need for a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of devastating complications.
"We listened carefully to experts, health charities and health professionals and agreed that the time was right to consider whether flour fortification was the right approach for the UK" , did he declare.
He added: "My priority is to ensure that, if introduced, we are sure that it is safe and beneficial for all."
Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England, said: "Evidence shows that fortification of flour with folic acid is a practical way to reduce folate deficiencies in women pregnant and congenital anomalies.
"However, as with any such intervention, we need to make sure the product is safe, which means considering the broader implications for the rest of the population who consume flour," she said. .
The movement is already supported by the Royal College of Midwives. Clare Livingstone, a professional policy advisor at the MRC, said, "The MRC has been calling for this for some time, so it's a welcome announcement.
"The introduction of mandatory flour fortification will bring the UK closer to many other countries, including the United States and Canada," she said.
"They have this in place because the evidence of the benefits is very strong," she said. "The impact of this anomaly in these countries has been marked by the reduction of cases of fetal abnormality.
"Many women will not have taken folic acid at the time of conception and very early in their pregnancy. That's when folic acid is most effective and that's why this announcement is so important, "said Livingstone.
"This will help dramatically reduce the number of fetuses abnormalities related to folic acid deficiency, "she said. "That means fewer babies will be born with neural tube defects, and the sooner that will be done, the sooner it will begin."
She added, "The MRC will respond to the consultation and we urge the government to present it as soon as possible after the consultation."
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