Tortillas in California will soon require folic acid

CALIFORNIA — Starting January 1, 2026, California will require manufacturers to add folic acid to corn masa flour used in tortillas, tamales, pupusas, and similar products.

California is the first state in the U.S. to enact this law.

According to bill author assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), this public health measure is aimed at reducing serious birth defects that disproportionately affect Latino communities.

AB 1830 mandates that most corn masa flour contain 0.7 milligrams of folic acid per pound, while wet corn masa products may contain 0.4 milligrams per pound of end product.

The law also requires that folic acid be declared on product nutrition labels, alongside clear identification that the product contains corn masa flour or was made using a wet masa process.

Corn masa products naturally contain some folate

Folic acid, a synthetic form of vitamin B9 (folate), has been scientifically shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly when consumed regularly before and during early pregnancy.

The 1998 federal folic acid mandate required fortifying enriched grains like white flour, but naturally folate-rich whole wheat was excluded.

During milling, wheat is turned into white flour, which removes the bran and germ where most naturally occurring folate resides. This leaves very little folate in the refined flour. Though enrichment adds some back, it doesn’t match the original whole grain’s full profile.

Corn masa products, which naturally contain some folate—though the amount is variable and often low, were also left out of the original fortification requirements.

Under the new law, corn masa flour and wet masa products that are manufactured, distributed, or sold in California must meet the fortification standard beginning in 2026.

Exemptions are provided for small producers, including cottage food operations, certain food facilities, and grocery stores that offer both fortified and non‑fortified masa products.

Snack foods are not covered by the requirement.

‘Landmark action for Latino families”

UnidosUS, a national Latino civil rights organization, called the law a “landmark action” for Latino families across California and beyond, noting its potential to prevent severe birth defects and improve infant health.

However, research has also found that very high folic acid intake, especially from supplements, can mask vitamin B12 deficiency and may allow nerve damage to go unnoticed.

It may also be linked to cognitive issues in older adults, may slow brain development in children, and is being studied for potential effects on cancer risk.