Organic Sector Maintains Opposition To Mandatory Folic Acid

Press Release for Immediate Release

Organic sector umbrella group Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) today re-released its 2006 submission opposing the mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid.

Derek Broadmore, OANZ Chair, said in re-releasing the submission that education about food and nutrition would be a better option than mandatory fortification for reducing the harm of folic acid deficiency.

"Consumers want fewer additives in their food and more information about how it is made, not mass medication with potentially harmful substances", Mr Broadmore said.

"Mandatory fortification also sends the wrong message, suggesting that supplements can overcome the need to eat nutritious, wholesome food.

"While OANZ is pleased consumers can avoid mandatory fortification by purchasing organic bread, we believe there are more flexible ways of reducing the risks of folate deficiency.

"In the long term, education - not mandatory Government powers - would be the best way to influence people to change their diets.

"If New Zealanders want to avoid mandatory fortification, they should choose certified organic bread.

"Certified organic products are not only exempt from mandatory fortification, the integrity of their production and processing is independently audited each year.

"OANZ also opposed the mandatory fortification of bread with iodine - where organic bread is again exempted from rules due to come into effect by the end of September", Mr Broadmore said.

OANZ's 2006 submission opposing mandatory fortification (pdf)

ENDS

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