Dear

In 2005 the  Health Ministry made it compulsory for salt manufacturers to produce and sell only iodised salt because some Indians (2.5%) lacked iodine in their diet.

The World Health Organization’s detailed survey on Iodine Status worldwide reveals that India has optimal iodine status or that there is no iodine deficiency in India. Yet, 97.5% of the population is forced to intake iodized salt even though we don’t need it, putting us to risk of thyroid disorders.

I learned about this in a very painful way when some years ago I was diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis, (hypothyroidism then hyperthyroidism,) which on further analysis was found to have been caused by consumption of iodised salt. But non-iodised salt is not easily available in the Indian market! I had to hunt high and low for natural sea salt (which Gandhiji had fought for)! I later discovered many others suffered from the same symptoms.

According to Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 27th Edition, June 1977, pg.823 -Iodine:

Toxic Effects: Continued administration of iodine is known to lead to mental depression, nervousness, insomnia, impotence, myxoedema and goitre. Hypersensitivity to iodine (Iodism) may occur acutely or after prolonged administration and is characterised by coryza, headaches, pain in the salivary glands, lachrymation, weakness, conjunctivitis, fever, laryngitis, bronchitis, and skin reactions including ioderma, erythema, acneform eruptions, urticaria, suppurative and haemorrhagic rashes. Vomiting, metallic taste in the mouth, abdominal pain and diarrhoea are also known to occur. In extreme cases, death due to oedema of the glottis causing asphyxiation and pulmonary oedema are also recorded. Iodides in breast milk are suspected to cause hypothyroidism or goitre in infants. Iodine given to the mother is also known to cause Thrombocytopenia which is hazardous to the foetus.

Here’s what doctors say about iodised salt:

Dr. Shaukat Ali Sadikot (Endocrinologist, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, India): “Thyroid malfunction goes up 10 times when the consumption of iodized salt starts. It can manifest itself as either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.”

Humans require trace amounts of iodine, a non-metallic mineral, for proper development and growth. If you are eating a healthy, balanced, varied diet, you’re probably getting enough iodine and don’t need to use iodised salt.

Dr. R.P. Singh (Endocrinologist, Apollo Group of Hospitals) condemns a law that forces 97.5% of the population (who do not lack iodine) to eat iodised salt.

Sign the petition and ask the health minister to let you have the right to choose the salt  you use! 

Join the new Salt March!

                                               SIGN THE PETITION

Kumkum Somani from Mumbai, Ganesh Easwar and Malti Khaitan from New Delhi, Geetha Narayanan from Thiruvanthapuram and other sufferers