The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that folic acid be added to specific flour, breads and other grain products. These foods were chosen for fortification with folate because:

• They are staple products for most of the U.S. population.
• They have a long history of being successful vehicles for improving nutrition to reduce the risk of classic nutrient deficiency diseases.

Fortified foods include most enriched breads, flours, cornmeals, rice, noodles, macaroni and other grain products. These foods are fortified at a level of 140 micrograms of folic acid per 100 grams of bread and other grain products. To be considered fortified, the product must meet this standard.

Source: Food and Drug Administration, Office of Public Affairs. Folic acid fortification. Fact Sheet, February 29, 1996.