External Monitoring of Small and Medium Salt Processors Results in Improved Salt Iodization Levels in India

Abstract

Objectives: Small & medium scale salt processors are the main defaulters in the production of adequately and uniformly iodized salt. Monitoring of these processors by enforcement agencies is inadequate given the scale and geographic spread of the salt industry. The Government Salt Department requested Micronutrient Initiative’s (MI) support to strengthen the monitoring system of salt processors to improve enforcement and improve quality of salt produced. Methods: The salt samples are collected from 400 small and medium scale salt processors on daily basis and results of iodometric titration is communicated to the salt producers for corrective action. The results are analysed using web based software and shared with enforcement agencies and other stakeholders at routine intervals, for initiating necessary action to improve salt iodization. Results: In the past six years, this system has monitored an average of two million tonnes of salt produced per year by small and medium scale processors. Through this process, MI was able to engage directly with salt producers on technical issues, including encouragement to adopt improved iodization processes.  Sharing monitoring data with the government and salt associations enhanced the effectiveness of government enforcement mechanisms and provided a platform to discuss problems and resolve issues. These activities contributed to improvement in adequately iodized salt, from 9% in 2007 to 35% in 2013. Conclusions: External monitoring of small salt processors resulted in more effective enforcement and adoption of better production processes. The increased compliance of small and medium scale processors has contributed to India’s progress towards Universal Salt Iodization.