Iodine content of salt in National Capital Territory of Delhi

Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) constitute a major public health problem in India. The most commonly used method of prophylaxis against iodine deficiency is via fortification of salt with iodine. The Government of India has issued ban notification on sale of non iodated salt in Delhi since 1984. The present study was conducted to assess the iodine content of iodised salt consumed by beneficiaries in Delhi, with the aim to strengthen the IDD control programme activities implemented by the state government. A total of 763 salt samples, collected from an equal number of households constituted the study sample. It was found that 82.4% of the salt samples had an iodine content of 15 ppm and above. Eleven percent of the salt samples had iodine contents between 10 ppm and 15 ppm and 5% had less than 10 ppm of iodine. The results of the present study indicate that there is a need to continue monitoring the quality of iodised salt at different levels of distribution and consumption to ensure the success of the activities of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme (NIDDCP).