In a move aimed at enhancing child health outcomes, a new bill introduced in the California State Assembly could bring a significant change to popular Latino food products. Assembly Bill 1830, proposed by Fresno Democrat Joaquin Arambula of District 31, seeks to mandate the addition of folic acid to corn masa flour used in a variety of traditional foods like tortillas, tamales, and pupusas.
The bill proposes that manufacturers add 0.7 milligrams of folic acid per pound of masa flour. Folic acid is a vital nutrient known for promoting healthy cell growth in unborn children and is particularly effective in preventing severe birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
Dr. Arambula, who is also a physician, emphasized the importance of this measure in reaching communities before pregnancy, citing that prenatal vitamins often come too late. He expressed concern over the exclusion of corn masa flour from the FDA's 1998 mandate that required folic acid fortification in enriched grain products, labeling it as "a real oversight."
The California Department of Public Health's data underscores disparities in folic acid consumption during pregnancy across different racial and ethnic groups. Latinas are notably less likely to consume adequate amounts of folic acid compared to White, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Black women, despite its benefits as both a food fortification and a recommended supplement.
The bill draws on the success story of the FDA mandate, which has contributed to a 35% reduction in babies born with neural tube defects in the United States since its implementation. This statistical improvement underscores the potential impact of fortifying corn masa flour with folic acid.