Bill > HB139

This bill amends existing Alabama law to establish new requirements for the enrichment of corn masa flour and corn masa products with folic acid. Specifically, it defines "corn masa flour" as a dried product made from corn masa, which is corn treated with slaked lime or a similar process known as nixtamalization. The bill mandates that corn masa flour sold in Alabama must contain 0.7 milligrams of folic acid per pound, and corn masa products, defined as foods primarily made from corn masa or corn masa flour, must contain 0.4 milligrams of folic acid per pound, with allowances for industry standard deviations. These requirements do not apply to corn masa flour or products made by cottage food operations or those offered for sale by grocery stores that also offer conforming products. Additionally, the bill exempts "snack foods," defined as products intended for immediate consumption between meals, from these enrichment rules, but clarifies that this exemption does not include bulk-packaged tortillas or wet corn masa products commonly used as primary ingredients in meal preparation. This act is set to become effective on October 1, 2027.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search