Action against low quality salt sellers

The Health Ministry will take stern action against salt producers and sellers who do not mix iodine to required standards to salt, a ministry spokesman said. He said that only 68 percent of salt samples sold in the market, contained required levels of iodine when inspected by Health Ministry officials two weeks ago.

He said that a 15 to 30 percent iodine content as essential in salt to control iodine deficiency which is common in the country.

"This quantity should not fluctuate above or below the accepted percentage.

The Health Ministry has given authority to Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) to take legal action against low quality salt sellers. PHIs are also advised to check all brands of salt in the market once in three months," the spokesman said.

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena had also conducted a special meeting with large and minor scale salt producers last week and had advised them to mix iodine up to required quantities.

Iodine deficiency can lead to thyroid gland complications, slow brain growth in children, lack of intelligence, miscarriages and low fertility.