India included in international body canvassing iodised salt

VADODARA:India, one of leading salt producing countries in the world, has been admitted into the Iodine Network, an international body engaged in popularising the use of iodised salt, president of Indian Salt Manufacturers Association (ASMA) said.

The body, which also seeks to persuade governments to make use of iodised salt compulsory in their respective countries, comprises of UNICEF, WHO, FAO and over 20 other international non government organisations (NGOs), ASMA President Hiralal Parekh said.

Parekh has represented the country at the last board meeting of Iodine Network held recently in Ottawa, Canada.
As per the Preventive Food Act, the country can produce only iodised salt but currently only 70 per cent of edible salt is iodised Parekh said adding that efforts were being made to take the percentage to a 100.

Iodised salt prevents goitre (hormonal disorder caused due to deficiency of iodine characterised by swelling of the thyroid gland), Parekh said.

Regretting the fact that production of iron salt in the country is almost negligible, Parekh said the country produces 500 tonnes of iron salt as against fifty lakh tonnes of iodised salt.

The Iodine Network will have its next meeting in Gujarat, which produces about 70 per cent of salt in teh country, later this year or early next year.