Open AccessExamination of selected national policies towards mandatory folic acid fortification
Author(s) -
Lawrence Mark A,
Chai Weizhong,
Kara Raija,
Rosenberg Irwin H,
Scott John,
Tedstone Alison
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
nutrition reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.958
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1753-4887
pISSN - 0029-6643
DOI - 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00164.x
Subject(s) - folic acid , fortification , developed country , national policy , food fortification , business , environmental health , economic growth , medicine , economics , international trade , population , food science , chemistry
The purpose of this paper is to present an examination of the contrasting policies towards mandatory folic acid fortification in six countries from different regions of the world. Three questions are addressed: 1) What is the policy of the country? 2) Why was the policy adopted? 3) What lessons have been learned? Policy contrasts among countries were assessed as reflecting different interpretations of the potential risks and benefits associated with folic acid fortification. Although commonalities were identified, it was considered unlikely that there could be a standard policy response for all countries. Instead, a country‐by‐country policy response based on national circumstances is indicated.