Incorporate iodine-rich food in your meals, says Centre for Food Safety

The Centre for Food Safety said on Friday that a Department of Health's investigation found that adults aged 35 and above in Hong Kong have a mild iodine deficiency.

The center’s comments came as it announced the results of a risk assessment study on iodine in food.

It said members of the public should maintain a healthy and balanced diet by incorporating iodine-rich food, including seaweeds such as kelp; seafood such as fish and prawns; eggs; dairy; and their products.

The center said a total of 296 prepackaged and non-prepackaged food samples were collected in late 2023 at the retail level for the determination of iodine contents.

It was found that iodine content was highest in pure kelp and aquatic products. The iodine content in most pure kelp foods exceeded 600 micrograms, while half of the aquatic products had iodine content exceeding 200 micrograms.

The center recommended that citizens incorporate high-iodine foods into their diet, such as seaweed, seafood, eggs, and dairy products, to meet the World Health Organization's standard daily intake of 150 micrograms of iodine.