According to the Ministry of Health, iodine must be added to all salt before being sold in Malaysia starting 30 September 2020. This includes all fine salt or salt that are 20 kilograms or below.
The amendment of the rule is to eradicate the iodine deficiency problem among kids aged from eight to ten years old.
The findings of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Survey shows that 48.2 per cent of primary school children aged 8-10 years have iodine deficiency problems, whereas 2.1 per cent of children suffer from goitre. The iodine intake for pregnant women and school children also did not reach the optimal level.
According to this statement published by Health Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah and the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Health will monitor the compliance with the rule after it is enforced.
Those who fail to comply with this amendment of Regulation 285 will be fined not more than ten thousand Malaysian ringgit or imprisoned for not more than two years.
The use of iodine in salt will not affect the taste of the food. However, the public is urged to not increase their salt intake, as excessive salt in food can lead to other diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure).
In case of any concerns on food safety and food quality issue, you can contact the nearest District Health Office or State Health Department or contact the MOH through its website or Food Safety and Quality Division(BKKM)’s Facebook page.
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