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California Mandates Folic Acid in Corn Masa Flour to Combat Birth Defects

3/30/2026

30 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

California becomes the first state to require folic acid fortification in corn masa flour to reduce neural tube defects among Latina infants.
Andrea Lopez, who lost a son to a neural tube defect, supports the law.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, could influence states.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized the law.
Experts say folic acid is safe and effective to prevent birth defects.

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Story summary

California becomes the first state to require folic acid fortification in corn masa flour to reduce neural tube defects among Latina infants.
Andrea Lopez, who lost a son to a neural tube defect, supports the law.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, could influence states.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized the law.
Experts say folic acid is safe and effective to prevent birth defects.