Note: storage practices, salt intake and iodine content of salt consumed in rural households of Haryana State, North India.

Abstract

A survey of 180 rural families from different zones of Haryana State was carried out to know the type and intake of salt used and the domestic storage practices followed by rural households using a questionnaire method. Salt samples from rural households were analyzed for their iodine content. Results indicated that most of the people in rural Haryana consume powdered salt and stored it in airtight containers. Daily intake per person ranged from 9.91 to 11.42 g. In the wet zone a higher percentage of families consume iodized salt. Analysis of iodine in salt samples showed that of samples from three zones, 39% contained no iodine; with 9% < 15 ppm; 14% 15-29 ppm and 37% > or = 30 ppm.