Deciding to iodize salt
There are good reasons to iodize salt, and to trade only in iodized
salt.
There is a worldwide movement to iodize all salt for human and
livestock consumption.
As a producer or trader of iodized salt, you are in step with a
world-wide trend that has significant benefits for children, women and families
everywhere.
Salt is the most common food vehicle for iodine fortification. The World
Health Organization recommends Universal Salt Iodization (USI) as the key
strategy for the control of iodine deficiency disorders. USI involves the
iodization of all salt for human (food industry and household) and livestock
consumption.
Global leaders, recognizing that iodine deficiency is a major public
health problem affecting populations throughout the world have made a
commitment to virtually eliminating Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD), through
Universal Salt Iodization (USI). The 58th World Health Assembly (WHA58.21) in
2005, and the 60th Assembly (WHA60.21) in 2007 urged member states to 'redouble
their efforts to reach those people not yet protected from iodine deficiency
disorders and to sustain successful programmes on a continuous basis." Salt
iodization are incorporated into the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),
Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs), and other national development
strategies.
These resolutions are also contained in the African Union's Africa
Regional Nutrition Strategy, as well as in the NEPAD African Ten Year Strategy
(ATYS) for the Reduction of Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies. There has been
substantial progress in salt iodization in Africa. In seven countries (Burundi,
Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, Swaziland, Uganda, and Zimbabwe), 90% or more
households have access to iodized salt. Nevertheless, some 145 million people
in the region are still unprotected. In three countries (Ethiopia, Angola and
Somalia) less than 50% of households have access to iodized salt. The Report
on the Regional Workshop on the Elimination of Iodine Deficiency
Disorders provides more information on progress with salt iodization in Africa.
Salt iodization combats iodine deficiency, one of the leading causes
of preventable mental retardation.
Iodine deficiency robs children of their ability to learn and become
productive members of society, contributes to higher infant mortality, goiters
and still births. Studies show that iodine deficiency is responsible for an
average loss of IQ by 13.5 points among affected populations. (Allen, et al,
2006).The table below lists a range of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD):
Table: Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD)
| Physiological Group |
Health consequences of
Iodine Deficiency |
| All Ages |
Goiter
Hypothyroidism
Increased
susceptibility to nuclear radiation |
| Fetus |
Spontaneous abortion
Stillbirth
Congenital abnormalities
Perinatal Mortality |
| Neonate |
Cognitive impairment and neurological disorders,
including endemic cretinism and endemic mental retardation
Infant mortality
|
| Child and
adolescent |
Impaired mental function
Delayed physical
development
Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism |
| Adults |
Impaired mental function
Iodine-induced
hyperthyroidism |
| Source: Adapted from Hertzel, BS. 1983. Iodine Deficiency
disorders and their eradication. Lancet. Vol. 2, pp 1126-1129 |
Iodization of salt is already mandatory in 34 countries in Africa,
but much more needs to be done. The food industry has a key role to
play
Salt producers and traders in Africa must adhere to national and
regional regulations regarding salt iodization. Since 1990, 34 countries have
adopted regulations that mandate that all salt for human and livestock
consumption be iodized.
The salt industry needs to alert its members and trade partners about
the problem of IDD and the role of the industry in eliminating the problem.
Regional and global salt industry associations can assist national salt
manufacturers and traders to comply with regulations.
For more on the role of the salt industry in the control and elimination
of iodine deficiency disorders, go to
ICCIDD Role of Salt Industry
|