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California Mandates Folic Acid in Tortillas to Combat Birth Defects

12/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

California will require most tortillas and corn masa products to contain folic acid starting January 1, 2026 under Assembly Bill 1830 to reduce birth defects.
State data show that 28% of Latinas took folic acid before pregnancy compared with 46% of white women.
Alabama has passed a similar fortification law that will take effect in June 2026.
Gruma, a major tortilla manufacturer, has supported these fortification initiatives since 2016.

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Story summary

California will require most tortillas and corn masa products to contain folic acid starting January 1, 2026 under Assembly Bill 1830 to reduce birth defects.
State data show that 28% of Latinas took folic acid before pregnancy compared with 46% of white women.
Alabama has passed a similar fortification law that will take effect in June 2026.
Gruma, a major tortilla manufacturer, has supported these fortification initiatives since 2016.