Despite an effort by Mayor Joe Fontana to nix a public meeting on fluoride use in London, politicians have endorsed holding one next month.

Council’s civic-works committee received a staff recommendation to hold a meeting on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m., when critics of the long-used additive would be able to voice their concerns about its possible health effects.

Noting the Middlesex-London Health Unit dealt with the matter earlier this year, and endorsed ongoing fluoride use, Fontana moved Monday to recommend not holding a public forum with politicians.

His motion lost on a tie. The committee then voted to recommend holding the meeting in Centennial Hall.

The matter now goes to full council for a final vote in about three weeks.

Fluoride has been added to London tap water since 1967. Its supporters consider it a low-cost way to prevent tooth decay.

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