"People in Central China, such as Hunan province, usually take more salt than people in coastal areas, so their iodine levels are higher," Chen said.
According to the ministry, statistics from 2009 show that nearly 31 million people in the provinces of Shandong, Hebei, and Jiangsu had abnormal levels of iodine in their bodies.
Overconsumption of iodine may lead to thyroid problems. The latest available data on the subject from the China Medical Association indicated that there are 50 million people in China with thyroid problems.
This is the fourth time the Chinese government adjusted the iodine level in table salt since 1995.
The Ministry of Health on Monday also made public a draft regulation on the usage of edible flavors, which bans essence as an additive in 25 types of food, including rice, milk, fresh meat, sugar, salt, eggs and honey.
In regard to other products, in which the use of edible essence is permitted, the draft regulation requires producers to clearly label each of the additives, so that shoppers can choose whether to consume them.
(Source: China Daily)
