Chandigarh, Oct 19: The Health Department, Chandigarh Administration, will hold exhibition and has established ‘Salt testing centres’ at eight places, on the occasion of Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention Day.
The 8 ‘salt testing centres’ in Chandigarh are:
1. Community Health Centre, Sector 22, Chandigarh.
2. Community Health Centre, Manimajra.
3. Polyclinic, Sector 45, Chandigarh.
4. Civil Dispensary, Sector 20, Chandigarh.
5. Civil Dispensary, Sector 19,Chandigarh
6. Civil Dispensary, Sector 8, Chandigarh.
7. Civil Dispensary, Sector 35, Chandigarh.
8. Civil Dispensary, Sector 40, Chandigarh.
City residents can bring the sample of salt from their households to get it tested at these centres to check the amount of iodine in it.
Though the sale of non-iodised salt is banned in Chandigarh yet Chandigarh has a high prevalence of goiter. Besides goiter, lack of iodine can lead to still births, physically and mentally handicapped child, child with low IQ, lack of interest in studies and play, and lack of energy in adults.
Proper measures should be taken to ensure purchase, storage and usage of iodised salt. While purchasing iodised salt, only packed and sealed pouches should be bought. Look for ‘smiling sun’ logo on the pack and check the date of packing of the packet. Iodised salt should be kept away from heat and moisture. To get the maximum benefit of the iodised salt, it should be added only when the dish is off the fire.