As Folic Acid Awareness Week is observed, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra has urged food manufacturers and retailers to increase the availability of fortified corn masa flour products. In a letter, Becerra highlighted the health benefits of folic acid for women of reproductive age, noting its importance in fetal development during early pregnancy. He emphasized that pregnant women with insufficient folate levels are at higher risk of giving birth to infants with neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

"Studies show that some U.S. women do not consume enough folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects," Becerra stated, adding that Hispanic women are particularly affected. He pointed out that Hispanic women have a higher likelihood (7.5 per 10,000 live births) of having children born with neural tube defects compared to non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic Black women.

Becerra referenced the FDA's 1996 implementation of standards for fortifying cereal grain products labeled as enriched, which led to a 36 percent decrease in pregnancies affected by neural tube defects. Despite this progress, he noted that Hispanic women are less likely to consume folic acid from fortified foods or multivitamins.

Recognizing the dietary habits of many U.S. women of childbearing age, especially those of Latin American descent who regularly consume corn masa flour products, the FDA established standards for fortifying corn masa flour with folic acid in 2016. However, Becerra pointed out that there is still limited availability of these fortified products and no significant improvement in blood folate levels among Hispanic women of reproductive age since the standards were implemented.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) continues efforts to raise awareness about this issue and support the availability of fortified products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently launched new resources on this public health matter. In March 2024, Becerra convened representatives from large food manufacturers and retailers to discuss strategies for increasing the commercial availability of fortified corn masa flour products.

"HHS stands ready to answer questions and partner with stakeholders to address this public health challenge," Becerra wrote. He mentioned that the FDA has established a resource site on fortifying corn masa flour products with folic acid available in both English and Spanish.

Becerra commended companies that have increased the availability of fortified foods but stressed that more work remains. "I call on the food industry to join us in highlighting the importance of folic acid for all women of reproductive age and commit to increasing the availability of fortified products."

Sincerely,

Xavier Becerra