Evaluation Of The Iodine Content Of Salt Samples Purchased From Umuahia Main Market In Abia State:- Tasie, Uchechukwu O.

ABSTRACT

Four brands of salts from different producers packaged in multi packs, low density i polyethylene (LDI’E) packs and those exposed lor 30 days were analysed for iodine carried out to determine the levels of iodine in iodized table salts at the point of consumption and to assess the effects of packaging, distribution and storage lime and exposure on the rates of iodine losses and to draw the necessary conclusions, fhe multi packs and low density polyethylene packs offered the best protection to the packaged salt 38.36ppm) for Annapurna salt. Exposure of the salt samples to the atmosphere led to drastic losses of iodine with iodine concentrations ranging from (II.74ppm - 19.78ppm) with significant difference (P<0.05) between iodization/production dale and lime of analyses. The tests on purity also indicated high percentage impurity in the exposed samples. The Endings of this study indicate that to ensure the effectiveness of local salt iodization i programs, it is paramount to determine rates of iodine losses from local iodized salt under local conditions of production, packaging and storage.