Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: A very positive reaction. The Paediatric Society of New Zealand has welcomed the announcement, saying voluntary fortification of some breads has been ineffective in reaching the at-risk population of pregnant women. Dr Andrew Marshall, clinical leader of child health at Wellington Hospital said, "This announcement will finally allow New Zealand to join Australia, and most of the rest of the world, in fortifying food in a way that reaches the whole population." I'd also note the earlier comments from the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine, which believes fortification could also help prevent as many as 200 miscarriages a year in pregnancy. Folic acid is safe, proven, and effective. Adding it to non-organic bread-making flour will make a real difference to the health of mothers and the wellbeing of babies. 