Excessive iodine consumption
15.3.2012
Question for written answer E-002911/2012
to the Commission
Rule 117
Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE)
Government Decision No 568/2002 banned the sale of non-iodised salt in Romania, and the population is forced to consume exclusively iodised salt, directly or indirectly, in any food processed in the country. [‘In Romania only iodised salt shall be used in food for human consumption’ (Article 3, Paragraph 1)]
The Government adopted this decision with the aim of preventing disorders caused by iodine deficiency (hypothyroidism), even though only a small number of such cases have been caused by iodine deficiency.
On the other hand, it has been shown that excessive mandatory iodisation has serious consequences: foetal hypothyroidism when iodine is administered to pregnant women, inhibition of organification and coupling reactions (Wolff-Chaikoff effect), allergies, etc.
Can the Commission specify whether the adoption of such a decision complies with the norms stipulated in European legislation, given that it restricts consumers’ choices and exposes them to a high risk of falling ill due to excessive iodine consumption?
OJ C 117 E, 24/04/2013