Senate committee backs bill to fortify corn masa flour with folic acid to prevent neural-tube defects

The Senate Agricultural and Consumer Affairs Committee voted unanimously to approve SB 278, the Corn Masa Nutrition Enhancement Act, which would require fortification of corn masa flour with folic acid. Senator Sandra Harrell, the bill’s author, told the committee the measure aims to reduce neural tube defects such as spina bifida by reaching women of reproductive age in communities that consume corn-based products rather than fortified wheat.

"A couple decades ago, we discovered that we could prevent a disability called spina bifida by making sure that women of reproductive age had enough folic acid in their system," testified Sharon Bostrack, technical advisor with the Food Fortification Initiative. She said wheat fortification lowered rates nationally but did not reach some Latino communities that consume corn products; fortifying corn masa flour would target those gaps.

The bill includes three explicit exemptions for cottage-food producers, food-service establishments (restaurants) and certain snack foods. Committee members and an industry representative raised concerns that the snack-food definition could create packaging-size–based compliance problems — for example, small single-serve bags versus family-size packages — and could complicate interstate distribution.

Kevin, an industry representative invited by the author, said differing state fortification laws create complex distribution challenges for manufacturers: "If you have every state that's calling for different fortification laws, it really creates a complex distribution system." Senator Watson proposed an amendment to remove language that defined snack foods as "typically prepackaged in small or single serving portions and primarily consumed between meals," arguing the phrasing could force manufacturers to use multiple formulations for different package sizes.

Legislative counsel and witnesses noted that federal regulations allow adding folic acid to corn masa flour but do not require it; witnesses cited Alabama, California and Texas as states that have pursued or are pursuing similar measures. Sharon Bostrack said the level of folic acid in the bill is consistent with scientific guidance and similar state efforts.

The committee approved the Watson amendment by voice vote and then voted on the bill as amended; the transcript records the final passage as unanimous by voice vote. The committee adjourned after approving SB 278.

The committee record does not include a numeric roll-call tally or an implementation timeline; witnesses said some states build in time for producers to adjust packaging and production before requirements take effect.