Child's Nervous System · 3 authors, 4 centres
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This case study describes the policy process and outcomes of mandatory folic acid flour fortification in Australia and New Zealand. Australia implemented mandatory fortification in 2009, resulting in a 14.4% reduction in neural tube defects, while New Zealand delayed until 2021 due to industry lobbying and a change of government.
This case study reviews the policy process and evidence behind mandatory folic acid flour fortification in Australia and New Zealand. Following an extensive assessment process, Australia mandated folic acid fortification of bread-making flour at 200–300 μg per 100 g in September 2009, while New Zealand delayed implementation until July 2021 due to industry lobbying. Australian monitoring data showed a 14.4% overall reduction in NTD compared with the pre-fortification period and a 75% reduction among Aboriginal births. Among Aboriginal Australians, folate deficiency was eliminated two years post-fortification. The findings support mandatory fortification as a population-level intervention for NTD prevention.
