Key Takeaways
- Starting January 1, most tortillas and corn masa products sold in California will be required to contain folic acid, a vitamin essential for infant health.
- The new law aims to address the disparity in folic acid consumption among Latinas, who are less likely to get enough of the vitamin early in pregnancy, putting them at higher risk of having babies with neural tube defects.
- Folic acid can reduce birth defects by up to 70%, and its addition to staple foods has been recommended by public health experts to ensure women of reproductive age get the necessary amounts.
- California is the first state to require folic acid in corn masa products, with other states like Alabama following suit.
- Large manufacturers like Gruma, the parent company of Mission Foods, have already been adding folic acid to their products for years and support the new laws.
Introduction to Folic Acid in Tortillas
The state of California is taking a significant step towards improving infant health by requiring most tortillas and corn masa products sold in the state to contain folic acid, a vitamin that plays a crucial role in preventing birth defects. Starting January 1, manufacturers that do business in California will be required to add 0.7 milligrams of folic acid to every pound of flour and list the addition in their nutrition labels. This move is aimed at addressing the disparity in folic acid consumption among Latinas, who are less likely to get enough of the vitamin early in pregnancy, putting them at higher risk of having babies with neural tube defects.
The Importance of Folic Acid
Folic acid is a vitamin that is essential for the development of a healthy fetus, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. Research has shown that folic acid can reduce birth defects by up to 70%, making it a crucial component of prenatal vitamins. However, because women may not find out they are pregnant until weeks or months after conception, public health experts have long recommended that folic acid be added to staple foods to ensure women of reproductive age get the necessary amounts. In 1998, the U.S. required manufacturers to fortify certain grain products with folic acid, such as pasta, rice, and cereals, which led to a significant reduction in the rate of babies born with neural tube defects.
Disparities in Folic Acid Consumption
Despite the progress made in reducing birth defects, disparities in folic acid consumption persist, particularly among Latinas. According to state data, between 2017 and 2019, only about 28% of Latinas reported taking folic acid the month before becoming pregnant, compared to 46% of white women. This disparity puts Latinas at higher risk of having babies with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. The new law requiring folic acid in corn masa products aims to address this gap by ensuring that Latinas and other women of reproductive age get the necessary amounts of folic acid through staple foods.
Implementation of the New Law
The new law, Assembly Bill 1830, was authored by Joaquin Arambula, a Democrat from Fresno, who recognized the "real oversight" of leaving folic acid out of corn masa products, which are a staple in many Latino households. The law makes exemptions for small batch producers like restaurants and markets that might make their own tortillas from scratch. Large manufacturers like Gruma, the parent company of Mission Foods, have already been adding folic acid to their products for years and support the new laws. In fact, Gruma started fortifying its foods back in 2016, when the federal government first allowed it.
National Implications
California’s move to require folic acid in corn masa products is a significant step towards addressing the disparities in folic acid consumption and reducing birth defects. The state’s action has already inspired other states to follow suit, with Alabama passing its own version of the law, which goes into effect in June 2026. The requirement of folic acid in corn masa products is a culturally appropriate addition, as these products are a staple in many Latino households. By ensuring that women of reproductive age get the necessary amounts of folic acid through staple foods, California and other states can reduce the risk of birth defects and improve infant health outcomes.