Doctors and Public Health Workers Urge Ban on Iodine-Deficient Salt Sales

Jhapa. Doctors and public health workers have expressed serious concern over the increasing risk of public health problems caused by iodine deficiency in Nepal and have drawn the government's attention to immediately ban the sale and distribution of iodine-deficient salt.

They have expressed concern over the open sale and distribution of iodine-deficient Indian salt in the 'supermarkets' and grocery stores of Nepal due to the open border with India, and have urged all three levels of government to monitor the market and confiscate such salt that harms the health of general consumers.

On the other hand, they argue that since the government allowed the private sector to enter the salt business, the sale and distribution of salt with inadequate or substandard iodine content in the market has increased the risk of future health problems caused by iodine deficiency becoming severe.

Pediatrician Dr. Tank Bahrakoti pointed out that if the use of iodine-deficient salt increases, the health of children and pregnant women could be at risk. Speaking at a program organized by the National Consumer Forum here on Monday on 'The Quality of Salt Available in the Market and its Health Implications', he said, "If the use of iodine-deficient salt increases, the risk of public health problems caused by iodine deficiency can be seen. This must be taken seriously. The sale and distribution of iodine-deficient salt must be banned immediately."

Sri Lanka is currently facing public health problems caused by iodine-deficient salt. He argued that such a fate should not befall Nepal.

The government opened the way for the private sector to produce and sell iodized salt from July 17, 2025. The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, Kathmandu, also reported that its quality test of 'Himalayan Pink Rock Salt' on April 22 found no iodine content.

Indian salt, which is of poor quality and does not meet standards, is being openly sold in the markets here under the name 'Black Salt'. The Indian government has set 30 ppm at the production level and 15 ppm when it reaches the kitchen.

According to the World Health Organization's standards, the Nepali government has been implementing the rule since January 2001 that iodized salt must have 50 ppm at the production level, 30 ppm at the point of sale, and a mandatory 15 ppm for consumers. According to doctors, iodized salt should have a maximum of 6% moisture, a minimum of 96% sodium chloride, and a maximum of 1% insoluble matter in water. If the sodium content is less than 96%, problems related to blood pressure can occur.

For regular salt, the government has also set limits for moisture, sodium chloride, and other soluble substances.

According to Dr. Bahrakoti, who is also a former additional secretary of the Ministry of Health and Population, 'iodine' is an essential micronutrient for the body. Salt helps the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones. It helps in essential functions for the body's regular activities, such as maintaining cell function, and brain growth and development. Iodine is also needed to produce hormones required for physical and mental development.

He said, "Children and pregnant women need iodized salt. In such a situation, iodized salt with the symbol of two children should be consumed in the correct amount."

The government has been urging people to consume only iodized salt with the symbol of two children, saying 'Eat a little, eat the right amount'. At the program, Chief of the District Public Health Office, Brijkumar Das, said that iodine deficiency in children can lead to poor mental development, poor academic performance, intellectual disability, inability to speak, crossed eyes, and hinder physical development.

He said, "In adults, iodine deficiency can cause goiter, thyroid problems, and reduced mental and physical capacity. The main cause of neurological cretinism in children is iodine deficiency. Problems like thyroid cancer, reduced fertility, and miscarriage can also occur. To minimize such conditions, iodized salt with the symbol of two children from Salt Trading Corporation should be used in the correct amount." He urged against the indiscriminate use of salt, stating that iodine deficiency can lead to public health problems.

At the program, Birtamod Municipality Mayor Pavitra Mahatara Prasai expressed commitment not to allow the sale and distribution of iodine-deficient salt, which directly affects health, by monitoring the market. She said, "We need to raise public awareness to use only iodized salt with the symbol of two children correctly in our kitchens."

Assistant Chief District Officer Tej Prakash Prasai informed that market monitoring will be conducted to tighten salt imports through border customs and stop the sale and distribution of iodine-deficient salt, and urged consumers to be aware. He mentioned that traders import salt through customs for other purposes.

Subaschandra Awasthi, Chief of the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, Jhapa, stated that awareness about the use of iodized salt, which is essential for the human body, is necessary, and informed that permission has not been granted for salt import. He said, "Although permission has not been granted for salt import, iodine-deficient salt is seen in the market. This should be discouraged."

At the program, Brajesh Jha, Assistant Manager of Salt Trading Corporation, informed that salt has been supplied even in difficult situations. According to him, the corporation sold 210,000 tons of iodized salt in the last fiscal year. On the other hand, the corporation keeps enough salt in its warehouses for six months to avoid immediate disruption in salt supply. He said, "Regular supply and distribution of iodized salt are being carried out as per the government's directive."

At the program, Prem Lal Maharjan, Central President of the Forum, discussed that there is no alternative to iodized salt and urged for immediate market monitoring and confiscation of iodine-deficient salt. He said, "When the private sector was allowed to enter the salt business, consumers' health was gambled with. Iodine-deficient salt started appearing in the market. This situation must be stopped immediately."

100% Access: Zero Goiter Problem

In the last decade, Nepal has achieved historic success in eradicating goiter (endemic goiter). Before 1965, one out of every two people suffered from various diseases caused by iodine deficiency. After research confirmed that 55% of people had goiter, mandatory import of iodized salt was ordered from 1973.

In the past, due to the lack of iodized salt, a large number of people in the hilly and mountainous regions had to face severe goiter problems. Not having a swelling in the front of the neck was considered unusual. Goiter was considered a symbol of beauty. Against such a deformity, the government launched a nationwide campaign to distribute iodized salt through the Goiter Control Program, and in the last decade, the problem of goiter has dropped to zero.

According to the latest study report of the Nepal Health Research Council, with nearly 100% access to iodized salt, the problem of goiter caused by iodine deficiency has been eradicated. The government's policy of making iodized salt accessible to all citizens and the efficient distribution management of Salt Trading Corporation in implementing this policy have reduced the goiter problem to zero in rural areas.

According to the 'Internal Evaluation Report 2073' conducted by the National Planning Commission, the program has been successful due to the efficient salt distribution system of Salt Trading Corporation in remote areas.

In the last decade, goiter caused by iodine deficiency has dropped to zero, especially in the hilly and mountainous regions, while problems like 'hyperthyroidism', and reduced mental and physical capacity have also decreased. According to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the goiter eradication program has achieved 100% success from the fiscal year 2013/2014 to the last fiscal year.