Israel Mandates Iodine Fortification in Table Salt

Israel's Ministry of Health has mandated that all table salt producers fortify their products with iodine, a measure aimed at combating a widespread deficiency of the essential micronutrient among the population. This regulation is set to take effect in approximately two years, pending the finalization of mandatory regulations. The requirement will apply to salt intended for household consumption, excluding specialty salts and coarse salt. The ministry specified that the iodine content will be between 25 and 45 milligrams per kilogram of salt, which is expected to increase daily iodine intake by approximately 0.045 milligrams, or 30% of the recommended daily allowance. This dosage has been chosen conservatively and will be subject to adjustment based on population monitoring. While iodized salt is already available in Israel, produced by "Melach Ha'aretz" as a premium product, the new regulation ensures that the retail price of standard table and coarse salt will not increase due to the addition of iodine. The decision comes in response to significant iodine deficits identified in Israelis, particularly concerning for children and pregnant women. Iodine is typically sourced from eggs, fish, dairy products, and drinking water, but its concentration in water has decreased due to the increased reliance on desalination. Ministry of Health surveys from 2016 and 2021 revealed that 62% of school-aged children and 85% of pregnant women in Israel had iodine levels below the minimum recommended by the World Health Organization.