In Brief: Folic acid rules

Folic acid rules: March 5 Federal Register contains three final rules and one proposed rule covering the folic acid health claim for preventing neural tube defects in newborns and food fortification ("The Tan Sheet" March 4, p. 18). The rules provide more flexibility to the current folic acid health claim for dietary supplements and extend the claim to food products as well as amend the food additive regs to allow for fortification of breakfast cereals, infant formulas, medical foods and foods for special dietary uses. The rules also set standards for folic acid-enriched grain products. The effective date of the final rule on the folic acid health claim is April 19. The food additive rule is effective immediately, but FDA will review objections and requests for a hearing submitted by April 4. The enriched grain rule is effective Jan. 1, 1998. FDA is asking that comments be submitted by April 4 on its proposal that the March 5 health claim rule supersede the Jan. 4, 1994 rule that first allowed the folic acid claim for supplements...