The New Zealand public will get a chance to have their say on adding folic acid to bread, with the release of a discussion document on the issue on Wednesday.
Food Safety Minister Kate Wilkinson has reached an agreement with Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mark Butler, which exempts New Zealand from a trans-Tasman agreement on folic acid in bread.
Under the agreement, it would have been mandatory for bakers to add the ingredient to their bread from September this year.
The measure was approved by the previous Labour-led government with the aim of preventing neural tube defects in babies.
On Monday, the Cabinet considered the discussion document that may see the mandatory introduction of folic acid delayed until 2012.
Ms Wilkinson says she is confident the document will address concerns people have, while ensuring New Zealand's relationship with Australia under the joint food regulatory system remains intact.
However, the Government admits the three-week consultation period is not extensive.
The final decision will be made once submissions, which close on 12 August, have been considered.
The Labour Party says Prime Minister John Key has let emotion override logic and clear science, and is questioning why a decision will take three years.
The Government says the timing is based on a review due to be held late 2011.
Mr Key told the Q & A programme on TVNZ on Sunday that the discussion document would include three options, however the Government's preferred option is that mandatory inclusion of folic acid in bread be deferred.
Mr Key said Crown lawyers have found a way through the complex law on the previous government's decision.
Baking Industry Association president Jason Heaven says the Government should listen to the public, which has made it clear it does not want folic acid added to bread, and squash the plan.
