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Israel to require iodized table salt as widespread deficiency raises health concerns

September 8, 2026 from YNet

"New rules will require iodine in household table salt within about two years after surveys found widespread deficiency among children and pregnant women; coarse and specialty salts will be excluded, and officials say regulated salt prices will not rise.

"Israel plans to require iodine to be added to household table salt in an effort to address widespread iodine deficiency. The requirement will take effect once binding Health Ministry regulations are introduced, which is expected within about two years. It will apply only to ordinary table salt for household use, while coarse salt and specialty varieties will be excluded.

"Table salt accounts for roughly 85% to 90% of household salt purchases in Israel, despite the availability of varieties including Himalayan and Maldon salt.

"According to the Health Ministry, salt will be fortified with 25 to 45 milligrams of iodine per kg. “This amount is expected to add about 0.045 milligrams of iodine to daily intake, representing 30% of the NRV,” the ministry said, referring to the nutrient reference value used on food labels.

"Officials described the planned dosage as conservative and said it could be adjusted as the population is monitored. The regulations were developed following consultations with experts and a review of international data, according to the ministry.

"Iodized salt is already sold in Israel, though it generally costs more than ordinary salt. A 250-gram plastic container of iodized salt sold by Salt of the Earth costs between 5.90 and 10.90 shekels, while a container of the same size with non-iodized salt sells for between 5.90 and 8.90 shekels.

"Iodized salt is already sold in Israel, though it generally costs more than ordinary salt. A 250-gram plastic container of iodized salt sold by Salt of the Earth costs between 5.90 and 10.90 shekels, while a container of the same size with non-iodized salt sells for between 5.90 and 8.90 shekels."