Iodine is an essential micronutrient required daily at 100-150 micrograms for normal human growth and development. Deficiency of Iodine may cause physical and mental retardation, cretinism, abortions, still-birth, deaf mutism, squint besides goiter. Results of sample surveys conducted in 324 districts cover all the States/Union Territories have revealed that 263 districts are endemic where the prevalence of Iodine Deficiency Disorders is more than 10 per cent. It is estimated that more than 71 million persons are suffering from goiter and other Iodine Deficiency Disorders.

The Government is implementing National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) formerly known as the National Goiter Control Programme (NGCP) since 1962 with focus on provision of iodated salt, IDD survey/resurvey, laboratory monitoring of iodated salt and urinary iodine excretion, health education and publicity. The annual production of Iodated salt is about 48 lakh MT. The Government of India has banned the sale of non iodated salt in the entire country for direct human consumption under prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. W.e.f.17 May 2006.