Israel Plans Mandatory Iodine Fortification for Table Salt

Israel's Ministry of Health is planning to mandate the fortification of common table salt with iodine within the next two years to combat widespread iodine deficiency among the population. The new regulations will apply only to standard table salt intended for home use, excluding coarse salt and specialty varieties like Himalayan or Maldon sea salt. While standard table salt constitutes less than 15% of the salt consumed daily in Israel, with coarse salt being more popular, the ministry estimates this measure will increase average daily iodine intake by approximately 0.045 mg, fulfilling about 30% of the recommended amount. The proposed iodine content will be between 25 and 45 mg per kilogram. The ministry anticipates that the mandatory addition of iodine will not affect the price of salt for consumers, despite current market prices for non-iodized table salt being regulated at a maximum of 2.09 shekels per kilogram. Currently, iodized salt is available but is more expensive than regular salt, with some brands selling 250-gram packages for up to 10.90 shekels compared to 8.90 shekels for non-iodized versions. The push for mandatory iodization stems from a significant iodine deficit in the Israeli population, particularly concerning for children and pregnant women. This deficiency is partly attributed to the widespread use of desalinated water, which has a low iodine content after desalination and remineralization processes. Iodine deficiency can lead to thyroid problems and developmental issues. Mandatory salt iodization is already a practice in over 124 countries.