As per the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP), salt sold for household consumption is classified as 'adequately iodised' when it contains iodine at a concentration of at least:
- A 15 ppm measured at the household/consumer level ✓
- B 50 ppm at the household level
- C 30 ppm at the retail level
- D 7 ppm measured at the production level
Correct answer: A. 15 ppm measured at the household/consumer level
Explanation
In India, iodised salt must contain not less than 30 ppm iodine at the production level and not less than 15 ppm at the consumer (retail/household) level; only the 15 ppm consumer-level value defines adequately iodised salt for programme monitoring. Option C quotes the correct number but attaches it to the wrong stage, since iodine content falls during storage and transport, which is precisely why two different cut-offs exist.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 25th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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