Intake of iodized salt to be made compulsory

Reports to substitute common salt with iodized salt have been released by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) in order to curb the deficiencies caused by the lack of iodine in the body.

Inadequacy of iodine in the diet of the people of New Zealand and Australia prompted the FSANZ to initiate necessary steps. It was found that Australians, particularly pregnant women, were not getting enough of iodine.

According to studies, the deficiency of iodine is one of the major causes for brain damage. It hampers the growth of the brain, lessens the cognitive activities, and impairs hearing as well as motor abilities.

Iodine, essential for the production of thyroid hormone and found in salt water fish in a large extend, can cause many other scourging effects on the well being of an individual. Goitre, Physical and mental retardation, Dwarfism, Cretinism, Deaf-mutism and Frequent abortions are the other disorders caused by iodine deficiency.

In order to combat the harmful consequences caused by iodine deficiency, the FSANZ has decided to add iodized salt to common food products like biscuits, bread and breakfast cereals. By the consumption of these daily necessities, people’s iodine intake will increase and the deficiency can be eliminated from the root.

Dr Marion Healy, FSANZ chief scientist, said that once the Australian Health Ministry accepts the proposal, the compulsory accession of iodine to food will begin in 2008. She said that this will not only boost iodine intake, but also help people in the normal mental growth.

Though, voluntary iodization of salt was introduced in 1922, yet the people were not consuming the required amount of iodine needed by the body.

Even in India, such measures are being taken since long. The National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP) was launched in 1962. The programme was elaborated and renamed as National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) to imply wider implications of iodine deficiency in population.

Iodine deficiency is the most prevailing in the world. It is easily preventable and the world is on the threshold to eliminate it completely.

All necessary steps are being taken to control iodine deficiency- an achievement that will be acclaimed as a major public health triumph