The Hon Christopher Pyne MP
Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister for Health and Ageing
Minister for Health and Ageing
8 May 2006
New Folic Acid and pregnancy brochure
A new brochure about folic acid in food for women expecting pregnancy is now available from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Christopher Pyne, announced today.
“It is especially important for women to consume adequate folic acid every day before becoming pregnant and, during the first three months of pregnancy, to reduce the risk of birth abnormalities, such as spina bifida,” Mr Pyne said.
“You can get folate from rich natural sources such as oranges, green leafy vegetables, baked beans, lentils and peanuts. Folic acid is also added voluntarily by manufacturers to some breakfast cereals and breads - where it will be listed in the nutrition information panel.
“ The best way for women to get enough folic acid is to take a folic acid supplement, as well as eating foods fortified with folic acid or naturally rich in folate. Women planning pregnancy should talk to their health professional about the need to take folic acid supplements, which are readily available from pharmacists. You should consult your doctor if you have a family history of neural tube defects, like spina bifida.
“However, it can be difficult to get enough folate from eating food - and not all pregnancies may be planned. So, as a matter of priority, FSANZ will be finalising consideration of a food standard this year for the mandatory fortification of food with folic acid.
“This important public health project will include intensive consultation with public health professionals, the food industry and the state and territory health and food authorities. There will also be a round of public comment in June 2006.
‘The new standard will balance the need for pregnant women to get sufficient folic acid, while ensuring that some segments of the population, such as small children, do not get too much. A final decision has not been made about which food the folic acid will be added to, but possibilities being considered include bread in the first instance, although other foods may be considered in the future.
“I encourage all women to ensure they are getting enough folic acid,” Mr Pyne concluded.
The Folic Acid and pregnancy – advice for women brochure is available from the FSANZ website, or by calling the FSANZ Information Officer on (02) 6271 2241 or emailing info@foodstandards.gov.au .
Media contacts: Adam Howard (Mr Pyne's Office) 0400 414 833
NOTE TO TV CHIEFS OF STAFF
A video news release with interviews with Mr Pyne and Libby Kosmala from the Australian Spina Bifida Association will be distributed from Sky Sydney at 10.45am on Monday 8 May 2006.