(CX STAN 150-1995 (Rev. 1-1997, Amend. 1-1999)
(At Step 8 of the Procedure)
8. PACKAGING, TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE
In any salt iodisation program, it is important to ensure that salt contains the recommended amount of iodine at the time of consumption. The retention of iodine in salt depends on the iodine compound used, the type of packaging, the exposure of the package to prevailing climatic conditions and the period of time between iodisation and consumption. To ensure that iodized salt ultimately reaches the consumer with the specified level of iodine, the following precautions may be taken into consideration by countries where climatic and storage conditions could result in a large amount of iodine loss:
8.1 If necessary in order to avoid the loss of iodine, iodised salt should be packed in air tight bags of either high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) (laminated or non-laminated) or LDPE-lined jute bags (Grade 1803 DW jute bags lined with 150 gauge polyethylene sheet). In many countries, this may require a major switch form conventional packaging materials made of straw or jute. The cost of adding extra iodine to compensate for its loss from cheaper packaging (i.e., straw or jute) must be weighed against the cost of switching to the above expensive packing material.
8.2 Bulk packing units should not exceed 50 kg (in accordance with International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions) to avoid the use of hooks for lifting the bags.
8.3 Bags that have already been used for packing other articles such as fertilizers, cement, chemicals, etc. Should not be reused for packing iodised salt.
8.4 The distribution network should be streamlined so as to reduce the interval between iodisation and consumption of salt.
8.5 Iodised salt should not be exposed to rain, excessive humidity or direct sunlight at any stage of storage, transportation or sale.
8.6 Bags of iodised salt shall be stored only in covered rooms or "godowns" that have adequate ventilation.
8.7 The consumer should be similarly advised to store iodised salt in such a manner as to protect it from direct exposure to moisture, heat and sunlight.
