Under the Universal Salt Iodisation strategy in India, what is the minimum iodine content required at the point of consumption (retail/household level) in iodised salt?

• A 5 ppm
• B 15 ppm ✓
• C 30 ppm
• D 45 ppm

Explanation

Indian standards require iodised salt to contain 30 ppm iodine at the manufacturing stage so that, after inevitable losses during transport, storage and cooking, at least 15 ppm remains at the household/consumer level. This margin accounts for iodine loss as iodate reduces to volatile iodine on exposure to heat and moisture. The 30 ppm figure is the most tempting distractor because it is the production-level standard, not the consumption-level standard.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.

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