Marketing of only iodized salt underscored to prevent health disorders

RAJSHAHI, Nov 17(BSS): Speakers at a workshop here on Sunday unequivocally called for ensuring marketing of only the iodized salt to protect the public health from various disorders, particularly mental retardants and goitre.

The utmost emphasis should be laid on close monitoring of the markets and other outlets so that none can get scope of selling non-iodized salt to the public. Besides, creating awareness among the public in general on the issue has become crucial.

Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) organized the dissemination workshop on Iodized Salt Act held at its conference hall in association with UNICEF, Global Alliance for Improve Nutrition and Nutrition Alliance.

BSCIC Chairman Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Khan and Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi division Rejaul Alam Sarker addressed the workshop as the chief and special guest respectively with Additional Deputy Commissioner Mohinul Islam in the chair.

Sorwar Hossain, Salt Cell Head of BSCIC, highlighted the aspects of consuming iodized salt during his keynote presentation.

He said people can test for the presence of iodine in salt using locally available materials.

Firstly one teaspoon of salt is mixed with five grains of cooked rice, then two drops of lime juice are squeezed on top. Iodine is present if the salt turns purple.

"Due to the lack of awareness among people about the need for iodine and the use of the right amount of iodized salt, Iodine deficiency has become one of the major problems in our country," he added.

In his remarks, BSCIC Chairman Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Khan said adequate iodine coverage in households in the whole country is not satisfactory.