Israel to Require Iodine in Household Table Salt
Israel's Health Ministry will require iodine in household table salt within two years to combat widespread deficiency, particularly among children and pregnant.
Jerusalem, 8 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel will require iodine to be added to table salt for household use in an effort to address widespread iodine deficiency, particularly among children and pregnant women, the Health Ministry announced on Tuesday.
The regulations are expected to take effect within about two years.
The ministry said iodized salt will contain 25–45 milligrams of iodine per kilogram, providing about 30% of the recommended daily intake. The policy will apply to standard table salt but not coarse or specialty salts.
Surveys conducted in 2016 and 2021 found that 62% of school-age children and 85% of pregnant women had iodine levels below the minimum threshold recommended by the World Health Organization.
Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production and normal growth and development. Deficiency can cause cognitive impairment, hypothyroidism, goiter, birth defects and increased risks to newborns.
The ministry said the measure is not expected to raise the price of regulated salt.