In a recent drive by the food safety department in the district, officials found that over 50% of salt samples that they collected were not iodized, making the salt substandard.
With iodine deficiency being a leading cause of mental disability, the Food Safety Department went on a state-wide mission, in December last year, collecting almost 500 samples of salt from production houses and retailers, with more focus on the former. Of the 26 samples that were collected in the district, 13 were found to be misbranded and of substandard quality. "The 13 samples lacked iodine ," said district food safety officer R Kathiravan. "Iodine fortification of salt has been made compulsory by the government, because we have a high rate of goiter in the country," he said.
However, many salt manufacturers fail to fortify their product with iodine to cut costs. "It costs around 3 to fortify one kg of salt. So instead of making a profit of Rs 0.50 per kg, they can make Rs 2.50 per kg if they don't iodize the salt," said a food safety officer.
Manufacturers try creating loopholes by printing minute disclaimers in the packet corner that states "only for industrial use". "But they end up distributing it to small and medium-sized departmental stores, where many people pick up the cheapest packet of salt," said Kathiravan. Experts recommend that people pick up salt made by well-known brands that stick to guidelines and are able to preserve the product well.