Comparative Study of Urban and Rural Salts for Iodine Content
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ijphn.v1i2.6241Keywords:
Iodine Content, Iodized Salt, Regulatory Compliance, Rural Markets, Urban MarketsAbstract
Iodine deficiency remains a significant global public health risk, especially in communities that depend on iodized salt as their principal dietary source of iodine. The study was designed to compare the iodine content of salt in urban and rural markets, factors governing the level of iodization, systems for monitoring, and ensuring quality control. Eighty salt samples (40 urban, 40 rural) were collected and analyzed by iodometric titration. The overall mean iodine content was significantly higher in urban salts (28.7 ± 5.1 ppm) than in rural salts (20.3 ± 6.5 ppm), and only 80% of the samples from the city area met established standard, while only half of the mineral and rock salts had enough iodine to be considered good quality of adequate iodine quality of ≥20 mg/kg based on this standard for salt used at household level respectively. Category of packaging, storage conditions and the ready-to-use status of packaging material were identified as important factors affecting iodine retention. Iodine was maintained at higher levels in salts packed inside the sealed or laminated package and stored by the retailer who sells them. Regulatory compliance and presence of iodized brands were stronger in urban than rural markets. These results emphasize the importance of correct packaging, better methods for storage, vendor education and a stronger monitoring system for proper iodization.
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