Organic consumers in Australia and New Zealand have reason to celebrate further to the decision by Australasian food Ministers that organic flour millers and bakers do not have to add folic acid to their products while for nearly all other bread it is to be mandatory.

Soil & Health NZ spokesperson Steffan Browning says "Organic consumers do not want this synthetic additive in their bread. These consumers know that there are alternatives to synthetics and that organic bread generally has good levels of natural folate due to the lower level of processing with organic flour."

The exemption for organic bread will give all consumers a choice of a fortification free product while still accessing a healthy option."
The decision for fortification is based on evidence that folic acid in the diets of women of child birthing age may reduce the occurrence of spina bifida and other neural tube defects. It is argued however that a strong education programme supporting good nutrition as well as natural sources of protective folate, and optional folic acid supplements would achieve as effective result.

BFA spokesperson Scott Kinnear says that "While research exists linking the cause of neural tube defects to dioxin contaminated 2,4-D herbicides we hope that more recognition be given in future to the link between farming methods and nutrition and disease.

"Certified organic food production disallows pesticides and is focused on improved production and human health through the maintenance of healthy soils."