Salt Brands Research Articles

Analysis of Sodium Levels in Different Brands of Edible Salts by Flame Photometer

Sodium is a key element for all living things, mainly animals, some plant species, and humans. In animals, sodium ions are necessary for the regulation of blood and body fluids, the transmission of nerve impulses, heart activity, and certain metabolic functions. Sodium is the chief cation in the extracellular compartment of an animal body. Sodium plays a vital role not only in the human body but also in various food types. Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is about 40% sodium and 60% chloride. It flavors food and is used as a binder and stabilizer. The sodium content in different brands of edible salts can be analyzed using flame photometry. Flame photometry, also called flame atomic emission spectrometry, is a branch of atomic spectroscopy in which the species examined in the spectrometer are in the form of atoms. The samples used for analysis are junk foods, which have become a common trend among all generations. A total of 13 brands were analyzed for iodine content. From that, two commonly used brands were selected and analyzed for estimating the sodium and potassium contents in them by flame photometry. The analysis helps in creating awareness among all generations to reduce the sodium intake in order to prevent problems like hypertension, hyponatremia, hypernatremia, and associated medical complications in the future.

Use Consumable Salt Concentration in Process Flotation Intestine Worm Eggs

Salt is a chemical that is often used in families as a food flavoring or as a food preservative with the main substance being Sodium Chloride (NaCl). Re-fined salt as an ingredient for public consumption can be used in the laboratory as an alternative material to replace saturated NaCl (pa) for flotation of nematode worm eggs. The purpose of this study is to find out certain brands of consumable salt that can be used to float in-testinal nematode worm eggs. Method this research is a laboratory experiment where samples of consumed salt are treated and suspension is added and then the results of the treatment are observed microscopically. The results of this research is a good concentra-tion for the flotation process of 4 brands of consumable salt is 32% and the brand that can be used as a medium in the flotation process is the BTM salt brand. Conclusion this research is the BTM consumption salt brand provides good results in the flotation process by floating three species of intestinal nematose eggs, namely; round-worms, whipworms, hookworms (N. americanus and A. duodenale)

The Effect of Retailer Awareness, Retailer Quality Perception, Retailer Relationship Quality on Customer Loyalty Mediated Customer Satisfaction (A Study of Perahu Salt Brands)

Salt is a basic need that is no less important than sugar. Almost every household needs consumption salt every day. The existence of salt in everyday life cannot be ignored. The problem that arises in this study is that in recent years sales at perahu salt have experienced fluctuating sales, some complaints about the services provided by Perahu salt principal sales are still unsatisfactory to retailers, especially wholesalers. The purpose of this study is expected to be used by company management as a reference to provide customer satisfaction through the services provided by the principal of the Perahu salt producer through retailer awareness, perceived retailer quality, relationship quality, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Quantitative data is taken directly from filling out questionnaires from shops, especially wholesalers in the Central Java area. The results showed that in order to increase customer loyalty in purchasing Perahu salt through retailers, Perahu salt customer satisfaction through retailers needs to be improved. Increasing Perahu salt customer satisfaction through retailers can be done through retailer awareness, perceived retailer quality and relationship quality. Retailers have a big role in driving sales of Perahu salt. When the retailer has the power where the customer realizes the existence of the retailer, the customer will want to make a purchase at the retailer, especially when the customer and the retailer have a good quality relationship such as the customer has a long transaction relationship with the retailer, then this will satisfy the customer more. When customers feel this satisfaction, there is an increase in customer loyalty where customers will want to continue making purchases.

Detection of microplastic contamination in table salts in Padang City, Indonesia, and control strategies for choosing healthy salt

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to observe the shape, colour, size, type of polymer, and abundance of MPs in various brands of salt commonly consumed by people in the city of Padang, Indonesia. A 50 g salt sample was digested using 30% hydrogen peroxide at 60°C for 30 minutes to degrade organic contaminants. Samples from nine brands of sea salt and one brand of mountain salt investigated were found to be contaminated with MPs with an abundance of MPs (microplastics) ranging from 30 ± 10 to 510 ± 10 particles kg−1. The most dominant shapes, colours, and sizes found were fragments (73%), black (44%), and sizes 101–300 µm (27%). The results of this study can be used as information to help develop effective control of MP pollution and as reference data for issuing policies related to quality parameters for limiting MP content in salt products. It is therefore important to choose healthy salt, that has minimal MP contamination to reduce MP exposure.

Investigation of the effects of heat and light on iodine content of packaged and open salt brands collected from Jimma town

Iodine deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries, which leads to iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). To combat iodine deficiency disorders, universal salt iodization is mandatory. However, iodized salt can lose its iodine due to environmental factors such as heat, light, moisture, and so on. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of heat and light on the iodine content of packaged and open salt brands available in Jimma town, Oromia, Ethiopia. An experimental study design was employed to determine the effects of heat and light on the iodine content of salts. A total of six salt samples were collected from retailers selected based on convenience sampling technique. Among six different salt brands, three were packaged salts, and the rest were non-packaged (open) salts. The iodine content of the salt samples was determined by the iodometric titration method, and the effects of heat and light on the concentration of iodine were also investigated. It has been revealed that heat and light decrease the iodine content of salt samples. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the stability of iodized salt against heat and light. It is also helpful in identifying the right time at which salt should be added while cooking and the appropriate storage conditions for salt in households.

Microplastic pollution in table salt and sugar: Occurrence, qualification and quantification and risk assessment

Microplastics (MPs) have recently been observed in many products and environmental samples, ranging from drinking water to food products. In this study, the contamination of several popular brands of Iranian table salts and sugars by MPs was investigated. By using an optical and staining stereomicroscopic method the samples were counted. Results showed MPs were detected in all samples of salts and sugars. The average amounts of MPs in different brands of salt and sugar observed were 55.2 ± 43.7 MP/kg and 57.7 ± 20.6 particles/kg, respectively. Based on Nile red staining the average microplastics in salts and sugars were 151.3 ± 61.8 and 226 ± 99.5 particles/kg. Most MPs were present in the shape of fragments (78.57 % and 95.8 %), while only a few were in the fiber shape (21.43 % and 4.1 %) in salts and sugars, respectively. The qualifying of plastic particles was conducted with Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were identified as the most likely polymers. The maximum annual exposure of MPs was approximately 15,540 and 23,660 particles/kg/bw/year for adults and 3552 and 5408 particles/kg/bw/year for children through salts and sugars, respectively. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that MPs can enter the food chain through additives (such as heavy metals, toxic organic matter and pathogens), and can affect human health.

Assessment of microplastics in edible salts from solar saltpans and commercial salts

Microplastic pollution is getting worse day by day; there is no ecosystem that’s void of their presence. Microplastics accumulating in marine ecosystems can destroy the stability of that particular ecosystem in many ways. As humans are notorious for consuming and exploiting marine resources, microplastics from the ocean reach humans through the food chain, which could cause ineffable side effects. One of the potential ways for microplastics from marine environments to reach humans is through sea salts taken from solar salt pans, and commercial salts are packaged from refined sea salts. Since the dawn of civilization, humans have used salt in their cooking. Table salts are an indispensable ingredient that gets added to enhance the deliciousness of food and is also used as a preservative, so adulteration or contamination in salts should be critically evaluated and rectified. Hence, this study aimed to analyse the presence of microplastics in sea salts from solar saltpans in some regions of Tamil Nadu and some well-known brands of commercial salts and characterise the type of polymer using FT-IR spectroscopy. This is a baseline study to identify the presence of microplastics in sample salts. This study confirmed the presence of microplastic in all the salt samples taken from salt pans and two brands of commercial salt, which numbered <350 polymer fragments, which include different polymer types. First report on the presence of certain polymer types, including acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polycarbonate (PC), among MPs in India. Dominance was shown by polyethylene, as it was present in most of the samples taken from different places. A detailed study on how microplastic contamination affects the health of human beings and how to effectively prevent microplastic contamination in human consumables is warranted.

Commercially available iodized salts in Noakhali, Bangladesh: Estimation of iodine content, stability, and consumer satisfaction level

The concentration of iodine in edible salt and its stability in different brands were evaluated in Noakhali district, Bangladesh using iodometric titration. Brand A and B had unacceptable amounts of iodine, whereas Brand C and D had appropriate amounts according to the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) standards. Iodine loss due to humidity and temperature gradually increased from 2 to 4 days for brands B, C, and D (slower in Brand A), and stabilizing after six days. The structural Model Equation (SME) revealed that, maternal education, family income, and consumer satisfaction level (CSL) positively affected different brands of salt use (p ≤ 0.05). These findings provide a clear understanding that, Iodine content in different Salt Brands available in the Noakhali region varies and decreases with exposure to air over time, as well as CSL towards different salt brands (Brand A-least satisfactory and Brand D-most satisfactory). CSL was about 2.35 and 4.19 times higher in Brand C and D due to having iodized salt with the satisfactory range of BSTI (p ≤ 0.05). The study emphasized that, care should be taken during the salt manufacturing and packaging process, distribution, and storage condition at the household level to ensure adequate intake of iodine.

δ34S and Geochemical Analyses for the Determination of, and Discrimination between, Salt Samples of Different Geographic Origin: A Feasibility Study.

The geographic origin of salt is usually regarded as unimportant, as it is a one-quality product produced in vast quantities. However, certain salt brands, especially sea salt (fleur de sel), are sold at significantly higher prices. Thus, it is necessary to control the declared geographic origin of salt. Such controls are already frequently carried out for foodstuffs, but salt is an inorganic commodity. Thus, δ34S analysis combined with element concentration analysis was carried out. The results show very similar δ34S values for all sea salt samples, which is to be expected due to the homogenous marine δ34S value. Still, slightly higher values have been found in Mediterranean salt samples. Rock salt samples show differing δ34S values depending on the time they were formed, and if the salt samples are of marine or terrestrial origin. Terrestrial/continental salt samples are characterized by elemental patterns significantly differing from marine ones. However, within marine samples (sea salt and rock salt) there also exist differences enabling the differentiation of samples.

Occurrence and exposure to microplastics in salt for human consumption, present on the Lebanese market

Plastics are versatile and pervasive materials, useful in countless applications and industries. Nevertheless, their high disposal and environmental stability are raising concerns and microplastics are now considered emerging food contaminants by moving all the way up the food chain. High level of uncertainty remains regarding the risks derived from human dietary exposure to microplastics. The aims of the study were to assess the occurrence of microplastics in salt for human consumption found on the Lebanese market, to estimate the Lebanese dietary exposure to microplastics from salt intake, and to suggest techniques that would ensure reduction of these microparticles in this commodity. All salt brands (n = 16) for human consumption present on the Lebanese market were collected and analyzed on two separate dates (n = 27), between September 2019 and December 2020. The presence of different types of microplastics was determined using the Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) technique. Results showed that 81.3% of the assessed brands (n = 16) and 55.6% of the total samples (n = 27) were contaminated with microplastics. Moreover, all (100%) samples and replicates were contaminated with either microplastics or other foreign matter. The packed and coarse sea salt were more likely to be contaminated than those sold in bulk or the fine salt. The types of microplastics identified included polypropylene, thermoplastic elastomers, polyester and polyethylene. Plasticized rubber, benzyl butyl phthalate and other plasticizers were also detected by the FTIR in addition to hair, ant, human skin among others. It is estimated that each Lebanese adult would be exposed to 2372 microplastic particles. Year −1 through salt intake. While the environmental impact of microplastics has received much attention, it is yet early to draw conclusions on the effect of long-term human exposure to dietary microplastics as more research and risk assessment are required. There is however, a pressing need to adopt novel techniques during salt production to minimize human exposure to these emerging contaminants. • More than half of salts available on the Lebanese market were contaminated with microplastics. • The occurrence of microplastic in packed and coarse salt was higher than in loose or fine samples. • Polyethylene was the most abundant microplastic. • The estimated dietary exposure to microplastic via consumption of salt was 2372 MP.capita −1 .year −1 . • Microplastics are emergent hazards which might pose a threat to food safety and human health.

Kaitan konduktivitas listrik dengan konsentrasi larutan garam dapur

Research of the relationship between electrical conductivity and the concentration of table salt solution in several brands of table salt, namely brand A, brand B and brand C, has been done. Electrical conductivity () is used as the dependent variable, while concentration (C) is used as the independent variable. The concentration values are 0.1%, 0.2%, …, 0.7% for each brand of table salt. Measurements of electrical conductivity using a tool Conductivity Metertype pH/EC-983. Next, the average of the result of the measurements of electrical conductivity (σ ̅) are plotted against the concentration (C) of the table salt solution for the each brand of table salt, where each of the result is a straight line (linear) that it has a positive gradient/slope, that is σ ̅=(1360000C+694)µS/cm for brand A table salt, σ ̅=(1315300C+644)µS/cm brand B table salt and σ ̅=(1281700C+566)µS/cmfor brand C table salt. It seems that the gradient/slope of the straight lines in the various brands of table salt is almost the same, which it means that in general the content of ions in the various brands of legal table salt is relatively not much different. While the positive value of the gradient have the meaning that the higher the concentration of table salt solution, the higher the value of the electrical conductivity, which it is theoretically compatible with the physical concept.

Effect of metal catalysis in the electrochemical oxidation of petrol on platinum electrodes and its use in petrol brand fingerprinting

This study presents a novel study to explore the electrocatalytic characteristics of platinum electrodes to obtain the electrocatalytic oxidation of petrol in non–aqueous solutions. A petrol sample was added into an electrochemical cell containing 0.1 M Tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) in acetonitrile and studied using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The results demonstrated that the metal content in TBAP acted as a catalyst, which effectively interacted with substances present in petrol and formed a new electroactive product, providing an electrochemical oxidation response at + 1.2 V. Inductively coupled Plasma analyses and statistical comparison of different TBAP salt brands, indicated that Calcium, Iron and Manganese were directly response on the catalytic electrooxidation. The electrochemical response of petrol was observed as a diffusion–controlled process on platinum electrode with an irreversible reaction. The electrochemical profiles were used to discriminate different brands of petrol using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Also, this behavior could be replicated in a simplistic manner using a model solution of Fe+3 and petrol.

Assessment of iodine concentrations of cooking salt commercialized in some municipalities in eastern Algeria.

Introduction. Iodine is a vital element for the thyroid hormones synthesis. Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are a major public health problem. In Algeria, iodine prophylaxis has been endowed by an executive decree imposing iodization of food salt. The assessment of the iodine content of cooking salt will contribute to updating the nutritional situation in the region. Objective. The iodine content was evaluated in packed cooking salt, commercialized in twelve municipalities located in East of Algeria. Material and methods. The samples number of 191 divided into 18 salt brands marked "iodized salt" were analyzed by iodometric titration. Results. Iodine content ≥ 15 ppm was noted in 80.7% of the collected salt samples, among which 57.6 % involved excess iodine (&gt; 40 ppm). Iodine content ˂ 15 ppm was observed in 16.7% of the samples displayed insufficient. The non appearance of iodine was perceived in 2.6% of cases, such as in AinFakroun and Meskiana samples which exposed the lowest average concentrations (p&lt;0,001). The minimum and maximum iodine content ranged between 0 ppm and 93 ppm with a median of 46.4 ppm. Conclusion. An increase in the rate of iodized salt samples (≥ 15 ppm) is noted, but in an irregular way between regions. Five municipalities display low iodine contents in salt, thus exposing their populations to increased risk of iodine deficiency, in particular in Meskiana and AïnFakroun. Conversely, another risk that should not be overlooked concerns the overiodized salt. The urgency is to control the quality of salt iodization at all levels, and at the determination of the iodized balance of the populations.

High levels of microplastics in commercial salt and industrial salterns in Sri Lanka

This study provides the first analysis and quantification of MPs in salt products in Sri Lanka. Commercial table salt brands, rock salt, lab-grade NaCl and raw salt from three salterns were analysed using microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. All salt samples were contaminated with MPs: in commercial salts products it ranged from 11 to 193 items/kg, rock salts had 64 items/kg and lab grade NaCl had 253 ± 8.9 items/kg. The MP levels in salterns varied significantly: Hambantota 3345.7 ± 311.4 items/kg, Puttalam 272.3 ± 10.6 items/kg, and Elephant Pass 36.3 ± 4.5 items/kg. Predominantly, MPs were presented as fibres, followed by fragments. Of the 23 polymer types identified; low-density polyethylene (LDPE; 17%), resin dispersion (15%) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE; 12%) were notable. This study provides the first comparison of MPs in raw salt and commercial salt. This information is important to trace the pollutant sources and then to take steps to eliminate MPs in food products consumed.

Is Dietary Iodine Intake Excessive According to the Theoretical Model of Healthy Dietary Intake Pattern in Pregnant Women and Schoolchildren: Water, Salt, or Food?

Introduction: Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause hypothyroidism and goiter; in schoolchildren, it can cause reduced intelligence quotient. In excess, iodine can cause thyroiditis, goiter, and Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. Currently, schoolchildren and pregnant women are classified as risk groups for excessive iodine intake and iodine deficiency, respectively. Thus, determining iodine from all sources of consumption is important for intervention planning.Objective: To construct a theoretical model for the iodine intake of schoolchildren and pregnant women of a city in the Zona da Mata Mineira region, considering a healthy diet, salt consumption and water intake.Methodology: The dietary iodine intake of pregnant women was analyzed based on a dietary iodine table compiled from an international database. A dietary plan was prepared following the Brazilian Food Guide. Iodine concentration of different salt brands sold in local establishments was checked, and drinking water samples from healthcare facilities were analyzed. A descriptive and exploratory statistical analysis was performed and the results were presented in absolute and relative frequencies, and measures of central tendency and dispersion.Results: According to the proposed diet, pregnant women and schoolchildren would have a daily intake of 71.6 μg and 71 μg, respectively. Thirteen salt brands were evaluated, 69.2% complied with the legislation and the mean iodine content was 29.88 mg. The mean concentration of iodine in water was 25 μg iodine/liter and 14 μg iodine/liter, respectively, in summer and autumn. Considering the intake of food, salt, and drinking water according to the proposed dietary plan, the daily intake for pregnant women would be 279.5 and 253.5 μg for schoolchildren.Conclusion: The daily iodine intake of schoolchildren and pregnant women according to this theoretical model was excessive, considering a healthy dietary pattern. This theoretical model can guide actions and public policies aimed at targeting all forms of iodine intake.

Concentración de fluoruros en la sal de uso doméstico comercializada en Montevideo, Uruguay

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of fluoride (F) in household salt marketed in Montevideo, Uruguay. Methods: Fourteen household salt brands marketed in Montevideo, Uruguay were analyzed to determine the F concentrations. Salt samples were prepared and F concentrations were determined using a fluoride-specific electrode connected to an ion analyzer.Results: Most of the salt brands showed values lower than 250 mgF/kg. Coarse salt samples showed higher F concentrations compared to the refined salt samples (p &lt; 0.05). Salt brands contained sodium fluoride presented higher F concentrations than salt brands contained potassium fluoride (p &lt; 0.05). Only two brands had F concentrations close to that informed in product packages. Conclusions: Household salt brands marketed in Montevideo (Uruguay) present a great variability in their F concentrations.

Microparticles and microplastics contamination in African table salts

The presence of micro/plastic particles has been reported in various seafood products. However, information on microplastics contamination in salts from African continent is very limited. This study analysed 23 brands of table salts from 8 African countries for microplastics using microscopic/spectroscopic techniques. South Africa showed the highest microplastics concentration (0–1.33 ± 0.32 particles/kg), Nigeria, Cameroun, and Ghana (0–0.33 ± 0.38 particles/kg each); characterized as polyvinyl acetate, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Other countries have no detectable microplastics at 0.3 μm filter pore size. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to characterize micro-fibres/plastics in table salts across African countries, confirming that it is an emission source of micro-fibres/plastics into the human food chain, highlighting the overarching need to understand their effects on human health.

Concentration of iodine in iodized salt and estimation in school meals in a region of northeast Brazil

Purpose Improper levels or excess of iodine may present a greater risk to health, for this reason, this paper aims to assess the iodine content present in salt and estimate the iodine concentration in school meals in a Brazilian northeast region. Design/methodology/approach Six samples of different salt brands sold in the city of Lagarto, Sergipe, Brazil were gathered for analyzing iodate concentration. The amounts of salt added to meals of four schools in the city and the weight of the provided meals were recorded during two consecutive days of gathering, thus obtaining data to estimate the iodine content of these meals. The rest of the meals and the nutritional composition of school meals were analyzed. A questionnaire for participants on the perception of salt was applied. For data analysis, α = 5% was used. Findings The iodine concentration in all salt samples followed legislation (15 to 45 mg of iodine/kg of salt), with the average of iodine ranged between 26.5 ± 1.29 and 33.9 ± 2.49 mg/kg (p &lt; 0.001). The estimated iodine content in consumed school meals was 0.025 mg (25 µg), in meals of schools A and C, it was 0.03 ± 0.02 mg, and to schools B and D, it was 0.02 ± 0.01 mg (p &lt; 0.001). Percentages of rest of the meals greater than 10% were found and the assessed food preparation showed low caloric and nutritional values. Originality/value The iodine content is in accordance with the salt iodization policy in Brazil, and that the average iodine estimate in school meals was considered adequate for this population.

Microplastics in Salt of Tuticorin, Southeast Coast of India.

Microplastics (< 5mm) are considered to be global environmental pollutants. This study investigates the occurrence, physical properties, polymer composition and surface morphology, and element composition of MPs present in food-grade salts produced from seawater and bore-well water in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, Southeast coast of India. Fourteen different brands of sea salts and bore-well salts were collected from the salt manufacturing units. The mean abundance of microplastics was 35 ± 15 to 72 ± 40 items/kg in sea salt and 2 ± 1 to 29 ± 11 items/kg in bore-well salt. Four types of polymers viz. polyethylene (51.6%), polypropylene (25%), polyester (21.8%), and polyamide (1.6%) were found in salt. Polyethylene fibers of size ranging from 100 to 500µm were observed commonly. Being manufactured from seawater, sea salt had the highest quantities of different microplastic particles. The study reveals that people consume approximately 216 particles of MPs per year via sea salt and 48 items per year via bore-well salt if the average person has a daily salt intake of 5g. The surface morphology of MPs as exhibited in the SEM-EDAX images obtained in the study revealed the different weathering features of MPs, such as pits, cracks, and particles adhering to the surface. The presence of the elements Fe, As, and Ni on the surfaces as identified by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy indicates that these elements exist in the environment as contaminants and have become associated with the MPs. The trace metals adsorbed onto MPs increase the risks of human exposure and may cause some adverse effects in humans.

Limits to commercially iodized salt to address dietary iodine deficiency in rural Papua New Guinea.

Fortifying commercial table salt with iodine is the principal strategy used globally to prevent dietary iodine deficiency. However, the costs of providing fortified salt to remote communities may result in it not being locally available or too expensive for many households. This study shows that barriers to consuming adequately iodized salt remain significant for remote rural households in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Using data from a rural household survey conducted in four areas of PNG in 2018, two issues are examined. First, we contrast the characteristics of households that reported consuming or not consuming iodized table salt, respectively. Second, the adequacy of the iodine content of samples of table salt consumed was assessed in the laboratory. Nine percent of the 1,026 survey households reported not consuming iodized table salt. These households tend to live in remote communities, are among the poorest households, have received no formal education, and have experienced recent food insecurity. Second, 17 percent of the 778 salt samples tested had inadequate iodine. The brand of salt most commonly consumed had the highest share of samples with inadequate iodine levels. Particularly in remote communities, ensuring that individuals consume sufficient iodine will require going beyond salt iodization to use other approaches to iodine supplementation. To ensure that the iodine intake of those using commercial table salt is adequate, closer monitoring of the iodine content in table salt produced or imported into PNG and enforcement of salt iodization regulations is required.