Letter: Happy, healthy eggs

Sir: The addition of folic acid to bread as a protection against spina bifida (report, 3 March) is not the only way in which this birth defect might be prevented.

Some years ago the Ministry of Agriculture conducted a survey of eggs, which showed that free-range eggs contained more folic acid and also more vitamin B12 than battery eggs. We know of no subsequent research to disprove this. Positive encouragement by the ministry for more wholesome methods of egg production would also be most welcome.

Yours faithfully,

J. BOWER

Hon Secretary

The Farm and Food Society

London, NW11

8 March