If enacted, this bill will significantly affect food manufacturing regulations in Oklahoma concerning corn masa products. The implementation of the Corn Masa Nutrition Enhancement Act is expected to raise awareness about the importance of folic acid in diets, which is crucial for preventing neural tube defects in fetuses. The labeling requirements stipulated by the bill will ensure consumers are informed about the folic acid content, enhancing transparency in food marketing. The exceptions provided for small producers and cottage food operations underline the bill's intention to strike a balance between nutritional standards and the feasibility of compliance for smaller entities.
House Bill 1912, formally known as the Corn Masa Nutrition Enhancement Act, establishes new requirements for the fortification and labeling of corn masa flour and wet corn masa products. Set to take effect on January 1, 2026, the bill mandates that corn masa flour must contain at least 0.7 milligrams of folic acid per pound, while wet corn masa products must contain at least 0.4 milligrams per pound. The act aims to enhance the nutritional value of these widely consumed products, particularly benefiting populations at risk of folic acid deficiency, such as pregnant women and individuals in vulnerable communities.