Under previous food labeling regulations, the terms folate and folic acid were interchangeable. Now that FDA has defined each one separately, how does this impact regulations such as the Standard of Identity for Enriched Flour, which uses only the term folic acid?
With the new nutrition labeling regulations, the FDA has distinguished between food folate (naturally occurring) and added folic acid (a synthetic form). The declaration of food folate and folic acid on the nutrition label will be in terms of the name “Folate” and will be measured in mcg DFE (Dietary Folate Equivalents). The declared value will take into account the increased bioavailability of synthetic folic acid.
The Standard of Identity for Enriched Flour calls for the addition of 0.7mg of folic acid per pound of flour. In the past, since folate and folic acid meant the same thing, millers would determine the amount of food folate already present in the flour and then supplement with folic acid to reach the 0.7mg per pound level. AIB International posed a question to FDA asking about this differentiation and whether any changes will be made to the Standard of Identity. FDA responded that there would not be any changes and that millers would now have to actually add the 0.7mg of folic acid to the flour on top of the naturally occurring food folate.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: AIB International