Israel Mandates Iodine Fortification in Table Salt to Combat Deficiency

The Israeli Ministry of Health has announced a new regulation requiring the addition of iodine to table salt sold for household use, aiming to address significant iodine deficiencies identified in the population, particularly among children and pregnant women. Data indicates that approximately 60% of children and 85% of pregnant women in Israel suffer from insufficient iodine levels.

This initiative, already implemented in over 120 countries, is considered an effective and safe method for improving iodine intake without necessitating changes in dietary habits. Iodine is crucial for thyroid hormone production, impacting growth, development, and metabolism. A deficiency can lead to cognitive and neurological impairments, thyroid dysfunction, and increased risks during pregnancy, including stillbirth and infant mortality.

The fortification will apply exclusively to table salt packaged for domestic consumption, not to salt used in the food industry. The Ministry emphasizes that the goal is not to encourage increased salt consumption but to substitute regular salt with iodized salt, maintaining current intake levels. While table salt constitutes up to 90% of household salt purchases, it accounts for less than 15% of daily salt intake, with processed foods being the primary source.

Previously, a misconception existed in Israel that proximity to the sea provided sufficient iodine. However, this has been disproven, as the Israeli diet is not sufficiently rich in iodine-rich seafood, and much of the food supply is imported. Furthermore, the widespread use of desalinated water, which has very low iodine concentrations, contributes to the deficiency.

The mandated level of fortification is 30 milligrams of iodine per kilogram of salt, which is expected to provide about 30% of the recommended daily intake. The Ministry considers this a conservative dosage and will monitor iodine levels in the population to assess the program's effectiveness and make adjustments if necessary. Officials do not anticipate any risk of exceeding the upper recommended limit for iodine consumption.