An analysis of the development of Canadian food fortification policies: the case of vitamin B

Authors: Nathoo, Tasnim; Holmes, Christina P.; Ostry, Aleck

Source: Health Promotion International, Volume 20, Number 4, December 2005 , pp. 375-382(8)

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Abstract:

The concept of fortification, or the deliberate addition of synthetic vitamins to food, arose for the first time in Canada during the 1930s. The availability of new technology introduced a debate over the merits of food fortification as a tool to improve the nutritional health of the population. Through the use of two case studies, vitamin B<inf>1</inf> (thiamin) in the 1930s and vitamin B<inf>9</inf> (folic acid) in the 1990s, this paper examines the development of Canadian policies on food fortification. It presents early ideas about the use of food fortification to improve the health of the population, discusses shifts in attitudes toward fortification, and examines the intersections between scientific knowledge, trade considerations, and public health concerns.

Keywords: food policy; fortification; nutrition

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/heapro/dai015

Publication date: 2005-12-01

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Health Promotion International responds to the move for a new public health throughout the world and supports the development of action outlined in the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. The quarterly journal is is an Official Journal of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education, and is published in association with the World Health Organization. It contains refereed original articles, reviews and debate articles on major themes and innovations from various sectors including education, health services, employment, government, the media, industry, environmental agencies and community networks. The journal provides a unique focal point for articles of high quality that describe not only theories and concepts, research projects and policy formulation, but also planned and spontaneous activities, organizational change, social and environmental development. The articles contained in this journal reflect the views of the authors, and do not necessarily coincide with those of the Editor, Editorial Board, Oxford University Press or the organization to which the authors are affiliated. Adaptation and use of the Health Promotion International logo for the cover design kindly granted by the World Health Organization.

An analysis of the development of Canadian food fortification policies: the case of vitamin B

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