Folic Acid Fortification

Baroness Walmsley Excerpts

Tuesday 25th July 2023 Lords Chamber

[Lord Markham (Con)]

As I have said, there are complications. The MHRA, for instance, has raised concerns about the side-effects of certain folic acid levels in respect of anti-epilepsy drugs. We are going through various medical areas and checking that we do not have unintended consequences, and these are some of the issues that have been taking time to deal with. I am not trying to give excuses, but to allow noble Lords to understand some of the complexities involved. As I have mentioned, the plan is very much to lay legislation in early 2024. We then have to give notice periods to the EU and the World Trade Organization, so, in order to achieve complete transparency for noble Lords, I am afraid there will be a two-year implementation timeframe from then. But rest assured that I will be pushing hard on this.

[Baroness Walmsley (LD)]

My Lords, we have heard that there are millions of products, but also that some manufacturers have implemented this policy voluntarily. Industry has had years of notice that this is going to happen. Surely it is for the Government to legislate and industry to comply.

[Lord Markham (Con)]

Yes, and as I have said, a lot of companies are doing that. What we are really talking about is a backstop for “edge” products that are not fast-moving. There are a lot of products out there already, so relabelling takes some time. I would hope and expect to see most of this implemented pretty quickly, as soon as we get into the new year.

As I am out of time and this will probably be the last thing I say, I wish everyone a happy Summer Recess.