Israel’s Health Ministry Mandates Iodine Fortification of Household Table Salt

The Israeli Health Ministry has advanced new regulations requiring iodine fortification for table salt sold domestically, driven by widespread deficiency rates across the population.

Ministry data reveals that approximately 60% of children and 85% of pregnant women tested exhibit iodine deficiency.

The mandate will specifically target table salt packaged for household use, which constitutes roughly 85% to 90% of domestic salt purchases in Israel. Salt intended for industrial food processing, coarse salt, and specialty varieties will remain exempt.

Under the proposed plan, salt will be fortified with 30 milligrams of iodine per kilogram. The ministry estimates this addition will supply approximately 45 micrograms of iodine daily, meeting about 30% of the recommended daily intake.

The ministry characterized the dosage as “conservative” and stated it will monitor national iodine levels following implementation. The fortification level may be adjusted if necessary.

Years of Persistent Iodine Deficiency in Israel

The decision to advance these regulations comes after years of data confirming persistent iodine deficiency in Israel.

A 2016 survey of over 1,000 school-age children and nearly 1,000 pregnant women from various regions and demographic groups across the country found that about 60% of the children and 85% of the pregnant women suffered from iodine deficiency.

National Biomonitoring Program data from 2020 and 2021 indicated a similar trend with no significant improvement, according to the ministry.

Israel’s drinking water may be a contributing factor to this deficiency. While the nation’s Mediterranean coastal location was previously thought to offer some protection against iodine deficiency, the Health Ministry confirmed that assumption was incorrect.

The Israeli diet does not heavily rely on iodine-rich seafood, and a significant portion of the country’s food and raw materials are imported.

Furthermore, the widespread consumption of desalinated water, which contains negligible iodine concentrations, may exacerbate the problem. The ministry cited desalination as a potential factor behind Israel’s low iodine intake.

The Importance of Iodine and Health Risks of Deficiency

Iodine is an essential mineral required for the production of thyroid hormones, which are crucial for growth, development, and metabolism.

It is especially vital before and during pregnancy, as well as while breastfeeding, including the proper development of the fetal and newborn brain. Natural dietary sources of iodine include eggs, seaweed, dairy products, and sea fish.

Iodine deficiency can lead to various health issues, including cognitive and neurological impairments, enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter), and hypothyroidism.

The Health Ministry noted that iodine deficiency may also be linked to an increased risk of stillbirth, infant mortality, and congenital abnormalities.

Many nations have already implemented salt iodization. According to the Health Ministry, over 120 countries enforce mandatory iodine regulations for salt, a measure recognized as an effective and safe method to prevent deficiency.

The ministry estimates that the planned enrichment level will not cause iodine consumption to exceed safe upper limits, even among individuals with relatively high intake.

Health Ministry Warning: No Increase in Salt Consumption

The Health Ministry emphasized that adding iodine to salt does not constitute a recommendation to consume more salt overall.

According to the ministry, only about 15% of daily salt consumption in Israel comes from salt added at home or during food preparation, with the majority originating from processed and industrially produced foods.

The recommendation to reduce overall salt consumption therefore remains unchanged. However, when using salt at home, the ministry advises choosing iodine-enriched salt over regular salt.

The ministry also noted that iodine can degrade or be lost when salt is stored in humid conditions or unsuitable packaging.

Consequently, the regulations are expected to include specific requirements for packaging and stability controls. Consumers are advised to store iodine-enriched salt in a sealed container in a dry location.

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