Sale of non-iodised salt prohibited in state
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 24
Even as iodine deficiency remains one of the most neglected and most widespread of all nutritional deficiencies, Nagaland, which is situated in the sub-Himalayan belt, falls under “areas of severest iodine deficiency.”
This was revealed by Dr. Akuo Sorhie, state programme office, National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland during the observance of ‘Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day’ here today at LCS Building, Kohima.
She said iodine deficiency remains one of the most neglected and most widespread of all nutritional deficiencies.
Nagaland was declared as one of the Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) endemic state in India through a base line survey conducted by ICMR in early 1960’s where 34.3% of goitre prevalence was recorded. A goiter is a swelling of the neck resulting from enlargement of the thyroid gland and commonly develops as a result of iodine deficiency or inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Recent survey indicated the prevalence rate has come down to about 1%.
Touching on the theme “Iodised salt, traders responsibilities,” Dr. Sorhie urged the salt traders to join the fight against IDDs now. To begin with, Dr. Sorhie said traders should sell only iodised salt for human consumption.
Stating that iodised salt traders carry an important responsibility in ensuring universal consumption of iodised salt, Dr. Sorhie urged traders not to keep stocks of both iodised salt and non-iodised salt without proper segregation and means of identification.
“Don’t expose the iodised salt bags to rain, high humidity, extreme heat or sunlight, dust and other conditions of contamination,” she said.
She also urged them to buy iodised salt only from reputed and authorised iodised salt producers and also check the quality of iodised salt held in stock and be sure that it contain 15 ppm or above of iodine before releasing in the market.
She also told them to display a poster or dangler declaring that iodised salt is available in their shop. “You are the vital link between iodised salt producers and consumers. Safeguarding their health is in your hands,” she added.
Nagaland bans sale of non-iodised salt
“Selling of non-iodised salt is banned in the country under provisions of PFA Act 1954 and is liable for prosecution,” Dr. Sorhie said.
In pursuance of Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition & Restriction on sales) Regulation Act, Government of Nagaland has prohibited the sale of non-iodised salt for human consumption.
Any individual/wholesaler/trader found selling non-iodised for human consumption is liable for prosecution and shall be penalised under Section 58 of Food Safety & Standard Act, a government notification issued in 2017 stated.
More than 20 crores people are at risk of IDD
Dr. Ritu Thurr, Chief Medical Officer, Kohima said more than 20 crores people are at the risk of Iodine deficiency disorder in the country. He said about 7% crore people suffer from IDD.
“No state/UTs is free from IDD. Everyone requires Iodine daily,” he added.
Dr. Thurr said iodine is a micro nutrient essential to human life, adding “It is essential for normal growth, development and functioning of both the brain and the body.”
Iodized salt is nothing but a common salt to which a small quantity of Iodine compound is added. It is use to prevent Iodine deficiency.
Salt traders takes pledge to sell only iodised salt
On the occasion, salt traders in Kohima took pledge to stock and sell only iodised salt in their shops for human consumption.
They declared that they are the vital link between iodised salt producers and consumers and safeguarding the health of the people is in their hands.
“I know that Iodine deficiency is the single most common cause of preventable mental retardation and brain damage in the world. I know iodine deficiency can cause serious physical and mental disorders which are incurable and permanent except for certain types of goitre. I know selling of non-iodised salt is banned under the provisions of PFA Act 1954 and liable for prosecution,” the traders pledged.
