2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:24 pm on 27 November 2018.

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Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:24, 27 November 2018

Yes, the Member highlights an incredibly important area. We very much welcome the positive announcement from the UK Government to fortify flour with folic acid. We have for a very long time called for this to be taken forward, and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services has written a joint letter with the Scottish Government yesterday to endorse our support and to drive forward rapid action in this regard. We note that the expected timing is early 2019 for the consultation, and officials have begun a positive dialogue to drive forward the consultation on a UK-wide level. We also know that the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment are yet to make an official report on the maximum level of folic acid, but we're of the view that that shouldn't delay the consultation process with a view to agreeing a uniform approach to the introduction of legislation across the UK as soon as possible.