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Responses to the Consultation on the COMA Report on folic acid and prevention of disease

In January 2000 the Government's Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA) issued a report on folic acid and its role in the prevention of disease. On 25 July 2000 the four UK Health Departments and the Food Standards Agency jointly issued a consultation document seeking views on how the Governments should respond to the conclusions of the COMA report and on additional factors which, in the case of universal fortification, include the management of any risk, consumer choice, technical feasibility, legislative issues, cost to industry and knock-on effects on prices to the consumer. This is a summary of responses and next steps.