Media Releases
Women should keep taking folate
Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should continue to take folic acid to assist in the prevention of neural tube defects in babies.
3 May 2003
Women should keep taking folate
Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should continue to take folic acid to assist in the prevention of neural tube defects in babies, Ms Trish Worth, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Health, said today.
Ms Worth said she was outraged at the story in a Sydney newspaper which falsely suggested that the TGA had not released information to the public about defective folate tablets over two years ago.
"This story is completely wrong and has undoubtedly caused unnecessary stress and anxiety to pregnant women," Ms Worth said.
"The media has been extremely helpful with the recent mass recall of products manufactured by Pan Pharmaceuticals but equally it can cause considerable concern to the public when stories are sensationalised and facts are wrong.
"In this case I am particularly concerned about women who take folate and are feeling very confused and vulnerable. They should continue to take this supplement with confidence.
Ms Worth said the TGA introduced world best practice standards for the regulation of folic acid products. These standards are yet to be adopted in Europe, for example.
Media contact: Mark Williams, Office of Ms Worth, 0401 147 558
