I have to admit that I'm pretty strongly against the addition of folic acid to bread. To me it seems stupid to treat the entire population for a problem that can be solved by taking a more directed approach. Won't someone please think of the children... well how about showing some personal responsibility.

I don't care if it's only going into products "marketed to women". We don't all fit nicely into market segments. I see this argument as the thin end of the wedge. Put it in a few products then slowly (and quietly) roll it out everywhere. Otherwise known as the Boiling Frog approach. Or the Salami Tactic (one slice at a time, which sounds rather appropriate for bread).

It seems far more sensible for pregnant women to discuss their dietary requirements with their GP and take dietary supplements if needed. I must be missing something as that sounds very easy.

Bakers apparently say it'll take 11 slices a day to meet the dietary requirement - without doing any research I am guessing that this figure assumes no other sources of folic acid so I'd take that with a grain of salt. Iodised salt that is I have no idea what other sources of folic acid we have in our diets.

Looking at the language being used, the addition of folic acid isn't even going to eliminate the problem - it will "reduce the risk" of birth defects. By how much? What other factors might be contributing?

I'm finding myself checking food labels a lot more these days. As a result of this I gave up buying breakfast cereals and make my own now. I'm checking country-of-origin more (latest surprise: cheap frozen veges). Now I'm going to have to keep an eye on the bread as well. Great, just bloody great.

try to have more vegetables and fruits along with breads and meats, in your diet, and you will definitely have balanced diet then.