Review of mandatory folic acid and iodine fortification
Mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid and iodine was implemented in 2009 as part of Standard 2.1.1 Cereals and Cereal Products under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.The policy objective of
- mandatory folic acid fortification of wheat flour for bread making, was to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in the Australian population, by increasing the folic acid intake of women of child bearing age.
- mandatory iodine fortification of bread through the use of iodised salt, was to address the re-emergence of iodine deficiency in the general populations of Australia and New Zealand.
The Review was undertaken in three stages:
- Stage One - a review of compliance with, enforcement mechanisms and costs of implementing the Standard.
A review of compliance with and enforcement impacts of the mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid and iodine Stage 1 (Word 174 KB)
A review of compliance with and enforcement impacts of the mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid and iodine Stage 1 (PDF 466 KB) - Stage Two – a monitoring of the impacts of mandatory fortification with folic acid and iodine on nutrient intakes, nutrient status and associated health benefits.
- Stage Three (Final Report) - an independent assessment of the collated outcomes of Stages One and Two as to the overall effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the public health initiative.
The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of mandatory folic acid and iodine fortification Stage 3 (Word 2764 KB)
The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of mandatory folic acid and iodine fortification Stage 3 (PDF 3233 KB)