Reports from expert groups over the years have recommended options to improve the folate status of the UK population through the mandatory fortification of flour, accompanied by action to reduce folic acid intake from voluntarily fortified foods (e.g. fat spreads) and supplements. In a letter to the government in Nov 2015, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) advised that recent information adds weight to the case for taking effective measures to improve the folate status of the UK population particularly that of women in their reproductive years, with the aim of reducing the incidence of pregnancies affected by NTDs.