India's Salt Economy
Iodised Salt and Public Health
How iodine deficiency caused goitre and mental impairment, how India's iodised salt programme since 1962 reduced it, and the debates over the 2006 ban on non-iodised salt.
Iodine deficiency is a major health problem.
Effects
- Goitre (swollen thyroid).
- Mental impairment in children when mothers lack iodine.
India’s programme
- The National Goitre Control Programme began in 1962.
- Renamed the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme in 1992.
Iodised salt
Adding iodine to salt is cheap and reaches everyone.
Ban on non-iodised salt
India banned non-iodised edible salt in 1998; the ban was lifted in 2000 and reimposed in 2006, with debates over small producers’ costs and choice.
Results
Most Indian households now use adequately iodised salt.
Cost-effectiveness
Salt iodisation is among the most cost-effective public health measures.
A family buys iodised salt, protecting their children from iodine deficiency without thinking about it.
It was widespread before iodised salt.
- Iodine deficiency causes goitre and impairment.
- India's programme began in 1962.
- Non-iodised edible salt is banned since 2006.
- Iodisation is very cost-effective.
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