UnidosUS Hails CA Governor Newsom’s Signing of Landmark Law That Would Prevent Birth Defects in Millions of Latino Children 

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New California law requiring folic acid fortification of corn masa products will have a profound impact on the health of Latino families, points the path for rest of the nation to follow 

WASHINGTON, DC— On September 28, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom of California signed “AB 1830: Corn Masa Flour and Wet Corn Masa Products: Folic Acid Fortification” into law, which requires manufacturers to fortify corn masa foods with folic acid by 2026. This landmark action will have a profound impact on the health of Latino families across California and across the country. UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía issued the following statement:   

“For nearly 20 years, UnidosUS has advocated to fortify corn masa foods—a staple in Latino households—with folic acid to prevent serious birth defects like spina bifida. This law is a critical victory for families who deserve the same health protections that fortification of wheat products has provided to other communities. By signing this bill, Governor Newsom has taken a bold and necessary step to ensure a healthy start for millions of Latino families. 

“We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, whose leadership was essential in moving this bill forward. It is through the tireless efforts of champions like Assemblymember Arambula and the bipartisan support of legislators that we have reached this moment.  

“While this law sets a timeline for 2026, we urge food companies to act as quickly as possible to protect their customers. The FDA has already set the standards, and there is no need to stall fortification. Every child deserves a healthy start and every day we delay puts more families at risk.”