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Store iodized salt properly to prevent iodine loss

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Category: Region NCR

GAW SMC Do you store Iodized salt properlyGoiter Awareness Week is celebrated every 4th week of January under Presidential Proclamation 1188 to promote awareness on the prevention and control of goiter and other Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD). In the country, the use of iodized salt is encouraged to prevent IDDs.  The use of iodized salt is considered the simplest and cheapest way to obtain iodine. Thus, proper storage of iodized salt is essential to minimize the loss of iodine and retain its benefit.

Salt is a staple seasoning ingredient commonly used as a food preservative or a flavoring agent. In the Philippines, salt is iodized by virtue of Republic Act 8172 known as the Act Promoting Salt Iodization Nationwide. In RA 8172, all producers or manufacturers of food-grade salt are required to iodize the salt they will produce, manufacture, import, trade, or distribute.


The process of iodizing salt is called Salt Iodization. It is done through the addition of a fortificant that is either potassium iodide or potassium iodate (KIO3). Fortification of salt may be also done using spray mixing. According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) memorandum circular no. 2013-042, it was recommended to iodize salt at 30 to 70 ppm of iodine (mg of KIO3/Kg of salt). Also, it was emphasized that the stability of iodine is influenced by moisture content, type of packaging, and storage conditions among others.

Do you store your iodized salt properly? Know how to store iodized salt and delay the rate of loss of iodine by following these tips:

 

  1. Store iodized salt using an airtight container in a cool and dry location. Salt attracts water from the environment which can result in loss of iodine. In a study, loss of Iodine in salt was noticeable in a humid environment.
  2. Avoid exposure of iodized salt to heat and direct sunlight. Heat increases the loss of iodine. Keep iodized salt away from heat and store salt in an opaque container to avoid exposure to light.
  3. Always shake the salt container. Iodine settles when salt is stored for a long period of time. Shaking stored iodized salt can help redistribute its iodine content.
  4. Use packed iodized salt that has a SISA seal. Saktong Iodine sa Asin (SISA) is only given to manufacturers that have adequate requirements for salt iodization. Packaged iodized salt has less exposure to dirt and other foreign material.


Along with the proper storage of iodized salt, continue to follow Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos to prevent IDDs. Highlighting messages (7) Use iodized salt to prevent IDDs, and (8) Limit intake of salty, fried, fatty, and sugar-rich foods to prevent cardiovascular diseases.  Keep the use of iodized salt in moderation and avoid excessive intake of salty foods.

Written by: DMO II Mary Anne P. Padilla and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo

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