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Bill Summary · HB 384

Summary of House Bill 384: Food Enrichment for Corn Masa Products

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 384
  • Title: Food enrichment; certain ingredients required for corn masa and products
  • Status: Enacted
  • Introduced: March 4, 2025
  • Effective Date: June 1, 2026
  • Sponsor: Representative Danny Crawford
  • Subject: Health

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 384 aims to enhance the nutritional quality of corn masa and corn masa products sold for human consumption in Alabama. The bill mandates the enrichment of these products with specific vitamins, particularly folic acid, to improve public health outcomes.

Key Provisions

  1. Definitions:

    • The bill amends Section 20-1-71 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to define:
      • Corn Masa: A dry flour-type product made from corn treated with slaked lime or through nixtamalization.
      • Corn Masa Product: Any food product containing corn masa.

  2. Enrichment Requirements:

    • A new section (20-1-79) is added, stipulating that:
      • Corn Masa must contain at least 0.7 milligrams of folic acid per pound.
      • Corn Masa Products must contain at least 0.4 milligrams of folic acid per pound.
    • Exemptions are provided for:
      • Products made by or supplied to cottage food production operations.
      • Corn masa products sold by grocery stores that comply with the enrichment requirements.

  3. Technical Revisions:

    • The bill includes nonsubstantive, technical updates to existing code language to align with current standards.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • Manufacturers and sellers of corn masa and corn masa products in Alabama will need to comply with the new enrichment requirements.
    • The Department of Agriculture and Industries may experience increased administrative responsibilities to regulate these products.

  • Public Health:

    • The enrichment of corn masa products with folic acid is intended to address nutritional deficiencies and promote better health outcomes among consumers.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 4, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the House Committee on Health.
  • March 19, 2025: Passed the House with amendments.
  • April 1, 2025: Read in the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Healthcare.
  • May 7, 2025: Enrolled and signed, ready for enactment.
  • May 27, 2025: Bill officially enacted.

Conclusion

House Bill 384 represents a significant step towards improving the nutritional standards of corn masa products in Alabama. By requiring the addition of folic acid, the legislation aims to enhance public health while also updating existing food regulations to reflect current practices. The bill will take effect on June 1, 2026, allowing time for compliance and implementation by affected parties.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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