Europe Should Require Foods Be Fortified With Folate

By Lauren Gilbert @ 2024-09-17T12:30 (+29)

This is a linkpost to https://laurenpolicy.substack.com/p/europe-should-require-foods-be-fortified

Most developing countries require flour to be fortified with folate to prevent severe birth defects. Why doesn't Europe?

(Note: this intervention is probably not cost-competitive with GiveWell's top charities but is a very easy public health win in European countries, and is very cost-effective given the current marginal public health intervention in rich countries.)

Julia_Wise🔸 @ 2024-09-17T13:45 (+12)

I found this a clear explanation of the costs and benefits - thanks for writing it up!
A similar issue: lack of iodization in Europe, the region where children have the highest rates of low iodine. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241593960

Jason @ 2024-09-17T15:47 (+7)

A less important but still meaningful win in the US and other places with existing iodization might be extending it to salt in processed food.