Senate committee hears bill to require folic-acid fortification of corn masa to prevent spina bifida

Sen. Harrell, sponsor of Senate Bill 278, asked the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee to hear testimony on a proposal to require folic acid fortification of corn masa–based products sold in Georgia. The hearing, scheduled for about an hour, drew medical experts, nutrition specialists and representatives of food-fortification groups to explain the public-health rationale and practical implications.

Committee members were told the measure aims to fill a gap in existing fortification policy that has left people who rely on corn-based diets—particularly many Hispanic households—without the neural-tube–defect prevention benefits that enriched wheat flour has provided since the 1990s. "These kids are lifetime consumers of the medical system," said Jacob Leppard, a pediatric neurosurgeon at Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, describing the lifelong medical needs of children born with spina bifida. Leppard estimated Georgia currently sees roughly "40 to 60 children per year" born with spina bifida and said fortification programs of this kind…