Moms-to-be—and really all of us Mexican-food craving California residents—have another reason to eat a healthy portion of tacos and chips and salsa in the new year. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the unique “fortified corn masa bill” into law in September of 2024. And on January 1, 2026, the law takes effect.
How fortifying corn masa flour became law in California
Studies show that folic acid supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk of birth defects by 70%. With the passage of Assembly Bill 1830 (AB1830), California becomes the first state to require food manufacturers and distributors to fortify masa flour with folic acid. The goal is to nourish the developing fetus during pregnancy. The lack of folic acid in the pregnancy diet often leads to infant birth defects like spina bifida.
According to the bill, “folic acid is authorized to be used in food as a nutrient in accordance with specified prescribed conditions, including that folic acid may be added to corn masa flour at a level not to exceed 0.7 milligrams of folic acid per pound of corn masa flour.”
Folic Acid benefits
Folic acid, aka vitamin B9 and folate, is an essential nutrient to promote cell growth, the formation of DNA and the production of red blood cells. It’s a necessary vitamin during pregnancy and for those planning to become pregnant.
Plus, folic acid is also beneficial beyond pregnancy, for all people and at all stages of life!
Other folic acid benefits include:
- Promotes brain health
- Improves heart health
- Helps prevent certain cancers, type 2 diabetes and arthritis
Foods high in folate
Folic acid is also found in a variety of other foods:
- Egg yolks
- Beans and legumes
- Enriched grains, especially breads and cereals
- Seeds and nuts
- Leafy green vegetables
- Fruits
- Citrus juices
For those who love a hearty Mexican meal with tortillas and chips and other masa corn flour creations, thank the California Assembly for adding significant nutritional value to many food faves!
Tortillas Get a Nutrient Boost
By María Felicia Kelley — @1mariafelicia, 29 December 2025
Writer, Publisher, EP – SoCal Spotlight
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