Consultation on Amending the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 and the Bread and Flour Regulations (Northern Ireland 1998)

Summary of responses

We received 369 responses to this consultation, reflecting a broad range of views.  

The full summary of responses can be found on Department for Environment 
Food & Rural Affairs website.  

Following careful consideration of these responses, the UK government and devolved administrations have agreed to proceed with several of the proposed amendments to the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998, including the mandatory addition of 250 micrograms of folic acid per 100 grams of non-wholemeal wheat flour. We will notify the World Trade Organization (all UK) and the European Commission (for changes in Northern Ireland) in accordance with international obligations, with a view to making the legislative changes later in 2024.

This consultation applies to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It will be of most interest to:

• Millers and bakers
• All businesses manufacturing, exporting, importing and selling flour or flour products
• Local authorities/District Councils
• Trading standards and environmental health officers
• Trade bodies
• Health and nutrition professionals
• Consumers 

Consultation subject

We are seeking views on proposals to update and amend The Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 and The Bread and Flour Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 which cover specific rules on the labelling and composition of bread and flour. The regulations primarily provide for the compulsory addition of certain nutrients to non-wholemeal wheat flour for public health reasons. Included in the consultation are proposals to ensure that the regulations lead to improved public health, support UK industry, assist enforcement authorities and protect consumers.

Part of the consultation also considers the implementation of the UK wide commitment to introduce the mandatory addition of folic acid to non-wholemeal wheat flour.

Purpose of consultation

We are seeking views on policy options, which have been developed following discussions with a range of stakeholders with the aim of ensuring the regulations are fit for purpose, lead to improved public health, support UK industry, assist enforcement authorities, and protect consumers.

The consultation has been split into five areas which proposed government interventions aim to address:

• Interaction with wider food regulations
• Folic acid
• Scope of the Regulations
• Exemptions from fortification requirements
• Enforcement

The consultation offers stakeholders a chance to share preferences and views on the policy options. We are also seeking additional information to further our assessment of the impacts of the options, ensuring proposals brought forward are suitable for meeting the policy objectives and to check for potential unintended consequences. Responses to the consultation will be used to help refine proposals and inform policy decisions on how the UK government and Devolved Administrations proceed with any subsequent legislative changes.

Consultation pack

The consultation pack is available at https://consult.defra.gov.uk/food-compositional-standards/bread-and-flour-consultation-2022

How to respond

The consultation will be open for 12 weeks from 1st September to 23rd November 2022. Responses should be received by 23:59 on 23rd November. Our preferred way of receiving responses is through the Citizen Space platform:

https://consult.defra.gov.uk/food-compositional-standards/bread-and-flour-consultation-2022

If you are unable to use Citizen Space, you can request a hard copy of the consultation at foodcstandards@defra.gov.uk . Responses or additional information or documents can be sent to: breadandflour2022@defra.gov.uk

Or

Bread and Flour Consultation 2022
Coordinator
Second floor
Foss House
Kings Pool
1 to 2 Peasholme Green
York
YO1 7PX