California may soon close a loophole involving many Latino foods
A new bill under consideration in the California State Assembly would slightly alter many Latino food products in an effort to improve the health of children.
Fresno Democrat Joaquin Arambula (District 31) has proposed Assembly Bill 1830, which would require manufacturers of corn masa flour, used in tortillas, corn chips, tamales, pupusas and other food items add 0.7 milligrams of folic acid to every pound of masa.
Folic acid has been proven to promote healthy cell growth in unborn children and prevent serious birth defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration began requiring folic acid to be added to all enriched grain products, including breads, cereals, rice, and pasta.
Corn masa flour was not included, which Arambula calls “a real oversight,” CalMatters reported.
“Food is the best way that we can get folic acid into our communities before they’re pregnant,” Arambula, a physician, told the nonprofit news organization. “Oftentimes, the prenatal vitamins that we give to pregnant people are too late.”
According to the California Department of Public Health, Latinas are far less likely to take folic acid during pregnancy than White, Asian/Pacific Islanders and Black women. It is not only included in food products but is also recommended as a supplement.
Since the FDA began requiring it in enriched grain products, the proportion of babies born with neural tube defects in the U.S. has dropped by 35%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If the bill passes and is signed into law, folic acid will need to be added to masa flour and products that include it, and the ingredient would be noted on the product’s nutrition label.
According to CalMatters, Arambula’s legislation so far faces no registered opposition.
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