California Requires Folic Acid Fortification in Corn Masa Flour to Combat Birth Defects

California implemented a new mandate in January requiring food manufacturers to add folic acid to corn masa flour, aiming to reduce disproportionately high rates of neural tube defects among Hispanic infants. The state is the first in the nation to enact such a requirement, targeting a key staple in Latino diets used in foods like tortillas. The change follows decades of public health research showing that folic acid fortification in wheat-based products has lowered neural tube defect rates by about 30% since 1998, but corn masa flour was previously excluded from federal enrichment mandates.

This legislative effort is highlighted by personal stories such as that of Andrea Lopez, a Bakersfield lawyer who lost her first child to a neural tube defect 15 years ago. State data shows Hispanic mothers in California are twice as likely as white or Black mothers to have babies born with such conditions. Supporters argue the initiative takes critical steps to close longstanding health disparities in birth outcomes for the state’s Latino community.

Leading producers have responded to the new law. Gruma Corp., parent company of Mission Foods and Azteca Milling, reports that nearly all its U.S. retail corn masa products now include folic acid, with full compliance expected by July. Mission Foods also began fortifying all branded and private label corn tortillas in the U.S. in 2024, a development that public health experts and consumer advocates praise as a model for other states considering similar requirements.

California’s approach has inspired similar legislation and interest in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, Oregon, and four other states, according to the Food Fortification Initiative. While some critics have argued against mandatory fortification, medical experts and federal health agencies maintain that folic acid fortification is safe and effective in preventing neural tube defects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend folate and folic acid intake for women of childbearing age to protect against these severe birth defects.

An investigation into industry-wide adoption and potential national expansion continues as California’s new law takes effect. Public health officials remain focused on tracking its impact on birth defect rates and encouraging similar measures in additional states.