The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated fortification of staple foods. Under the fortified salt programme, the iodine compound commonly used for salt iodization in India is:

• A Calcium iodate
• B Potassium iodide
• C Sodium iodide
• D Potassium iodate ✓

Explanation

Potassium iodate (KIO3) is used for salt iodization in India because it is more stable than potassium iodide under tropical conditions (heat, humidity, and impurities). Potassium iodide oxidizes easily and loses iodine. FSSAI standards specify potassium iodate at 30 ppm iodine at production level. This is a standard Indian programme fact.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.