The Guardian reported that ministers have backed a plan to fortify flour with folic acid – which already happens in more than 80 countries. The newspaper said the policy would be introduced within weeks.
The NHS Choices website says folic acid is important to foetus growth and can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
Kate Steele, chief executive of the charity Shine, which helps families affected by neural tube defects, told the Guardian: “Mandatory fortification will be a game-changer for the UK.
“A Government decision to introduce mandatory fortification will mean a major positive impact for the health and well-being of babies born in the future. In many cases, it will be the difference between life and death.”
Medical experts have been calling for the move for a while, saying that it could reduce the incidence of conditions such as spina bifida.
Pregnant women, and those trying to conceive, are urged by health officials to take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid, at least until the 12th week of pregnancy.
But many women do not take the supplements, especially if a pregnancy is unplanned.
It has previously been recommended that wheat flour is fortified with folic acid to reduce the risk of these birth defects.
Public Health England told the newspaper that fortifying flour with folic acid “is an effective and safe measure to reduce the number of pregnancies affected by neural tube defects”.
A Department of Health and Social care spokeswoman said: “Ministers are considering expert advice and will respond in due course.”