Where is iodine deficiency a problem?
The problem of iodine deficiency is most severe in Africa and parts of Asia, while Europe only has moderate to severe deficiency (WHO 2004). In Australia recent studies indicate a re-emergence of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency, resulting from inadequate iodine intake in New Zealand and in parts of Australia (Guttikonda et al 2003; McDonnell et al 2003). As a result of the re-emergence of iodine deficiency in Australia and New Zealand the mandatory fortification of iodine is being considered by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). The proposal is to replace salt with iodised salt used in bread manufacturing with a salt iodisation range from 35 to 55 milligrams of iodine per kilogram of salt (FSANZ May 2007).
