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California Mandates Folic Acid in Corn Tortillas, More States to Follow
New law aims to reduce Hispanic infants' high rates of devastating birth defects.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:23pm
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California has become the first state to require food manufacturers to add folic acid, a crucial vitamin, to corn masa flour used to make tortillas and other traditional Hispanic foods. The move is aimed at reducing disproportionately high rates of serious neural tube defects among Hispanic infants, which claimed the life of Andrea Lopez's son 15 years ago. More states are expected to follow California's lead in enacting similar legislation.
Why it matters
Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy is a leading cause of neural tube defects, which can result in devastating conditions like spina bifida and anencephaly. Hispanic women have been shown to have lower rates of folic acid intake, putting their infants at higher risk. This new law in California is a significant public health intervention to address this disparity and prevent future tragedies.
The details
The new California law requires food manufacturers to fortify corn masa flour, a staple ingredient in many traditional Hispanic dishes like tortillas, tamales, and pupusas. Experts say this targeted approach is more effective than relying on individual women to take folic acid supplements, which many may not be able to access or afford. The law is modeled after similar successful programs in other countries that have reduced neural tube defect rates by 30% or more.
- California's law went into effect in January 2026.
- Andrea Lopez's son Gabriel Cude passed away 15 years ago at just 10 days old.
The players
Andrea Lopez
A 44-year-old lawyer in Bakersfield, California who lost her first baby to a rare and devastating birth defect 15 years ago. She now has two young daughters and is advocating for the new folic acid fortification law to help prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.
What they’re saying
“It's such a small effort for such a tremendous impact. There is very little that I wouldn't do to spare anybody this heartache.”
— Andrea Lopez, Lawyer
What’s next
Several other states, including Texas and New Mexico, are currently considering similar legislation to require folic acid fortification of corn masa flour products.
The takeaway
This new law in California represents an important public health intervention to address disparities in birth defects and improve outcomes for Hispanic infants. By taking a targeted approach to fortifying a staple food, it has the potential to make a significant impact on reducing devastating neural tube defects across the state.
