The Bread and Flour (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2024
On November 14, 2024, the Bread and Flour (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2024 were introduced in the UK. These regulations amend the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998, which regulate the composition, labeling, and sale of bread and flour in England.
Key Changes Introduced
The main changes introduced by the amendment regulations include:
- Mandatory Fortification of Flour with Folic Acid: Flour manufacturers are now required to fortify all white and brown flour with folic acid. Folic acid is a B vitamin that plays a crucial role in preventing neural tube defects in newborns.
- Reduction in Permitted Salt Content: The maximum permitted salt content in bread has been reduced from 1.8 grams per 100 grams to 1.5 grams per 100 grams. This is part of a public health initiative to reduce salt intake and its associated health risks, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Simplified Labeling Requirements: The labeling requirements for bread have been simplified to make it easier for consumers to make informed choices. The regulations now specify that the following information must be displayed on bread labels:
- Product name
- List of ingredients
- Net weight
- Best before date
- Name and address of the manufacturer or packer
- Prohibition of Artificial Sweeteners in Bread: Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and saccharin, are now prohibited from being used in bread, except in specific circumstances (e.g., for diabetic bread).
Enforcement and Penalties
The Bread and Flour (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2024 are enforced by local authorities. Non-compliance with the regulations can result in penalties, including fines and prosecution.
Public Health Implications
The amendment regulations have significant public health implications:
- Reduced Risk of Neural Tube Defects: The mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid is expected to prevent around 200 cases of neural tube defects in newborns each year.
- Lower Salt Intake: The reduction in the permitted salt content in bread is intended to contribute to the UK’s public health goal of reducing salt intake to less than 6 grams per day.
- Improved Consumer Information: The simplified labeling requirements make it easier for consumers to make informed choices about the bread they purchase.
Conclusion
The Bread and Flour (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2024 are a positive step forward in improving public health and consumer protection in England. The mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid, the reduction in salt content, and the simplified labeling requirements will all help to ensure that bread is a healthier and more informative choice for consumers.
The Bread and Flour (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2024
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