Oct 21, 2014

Campaign stresses iodisation of salt

Food Safety Department officials have embarked on a campaign stressing the need for iodisation in salt. The programme is aimed at creating awareness of the need to prevent iodine deficiency.
To iodise salt, potassium iodate should be added to salt after it was refined and dried before packing, reliable sources from the Department told The Hindu here on Monday.
With the Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day being observed on October 21, the Food Safety Department has come out with a strong message to ensure iodisation in salt.
The iodised salt should have 99 per cent of potassium iodate to ensure safe and healthy consumption. As per Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), iodisation of salt is mandatory for both producers and consumers.
It was necessary that 30 parts per million (ppm) of iodine should be maintained at production level and 15 ppm at consumption level.
To check sale of substandard and mis-branded product, the officials stepped up vigil. Four cases of sale of substandard quality of salt were detected since August this year. It was mandatory that packed salt must have full address of manufacturer and marketer of the brand. In violation of the FSSA norms, many often this packed commodity carried doctor’s advice –‘Best for Health’ and even World Health Organization’s advice citing the brand name, sources pointed out.
Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day is observed on October 21

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