The Scottish Government wants folic acid added to flour over concerns of an increase in birth defects.

Public health minister Maureen Watt has urged the UK Government to make a decision on the mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid.

Westminster says the issue is still under consideration, however Ms Watt has written to the UK Government to press for a decision on "this important issue".

Figures show 85% of women do not consume enough folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects and issues with the neural tube including spina bifida.

Ms Watt raised concerns over folate levels in women, especially in more deprived areas and said she would consider how to progress the issue if there is not a decision from the UK Government.

She said: "We are disappointed that, despite repeated lobbying from a number of sources, there has been no progress at UK level on mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid.

"Low folate levels among pregnant women are one of the chief causes of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

"This is a particular concern in some of our more deprived communities, where rates of unplanned pregnancy are higher.

"The Scottish Government has been convinced of the case for mandatory fortification for some time. Folate levels are a concern across the UK, but particularly so in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

"To maximise the impact of mandatory fortification, and in line with recommendations from SACN and the Food Standards Agency, we believe that a UK-wide approach would be most effective.

"I have recently written again to the UK Government to press for a decision on this important issue. I, along with my counterparts in Wales and Northern Ireland, will consider how we might progress this should a decision not be forthcoming from the UK Government."

Andy Wynd, chief executive of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) said: “In Scotland it is thought that nearly 50% of pregnancies are unplanned and mother’s to be will not have increased folic acid intake prior to conception.

"SBH Scotland believes that mandatory fortification will make a significant difference to the many planned and unplanned pregnancies diagnosed with neural tube defects, of which spina bifida is the most common."

He added: "Additionally, if the mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid is not proceeding in the short term, then advice must be put in place to ensure that women who are sexually active and of child bearing age are aware of the importance taking folic acid prior to conception and not once pregnancy is confirmed, which is the norm at present."