Nicholas Jones: Folic acid to be added to bread-making flour to prevent birth defects; 'This is about protecting babies,' minister says

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge · Jul 7, 2021 · 4m

Folic acid will be put in bread making flour to prevent devastating birth defects that can result in death or lifelong disability, it can be revealed.

Fortifying bread and other food staples with folic acid has significantly reduced birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord in other countries including the United States, Canada and Australia.

The move comes after an investigation by the Herald exposed the heartbreaking stories of parents who have been pushing for years for New Zealand to match other countries by fortifying bread.

"This is about protecting babies. Low folate levels in…