Policymakers, healthcare professionals, and industry experts met yesterday at the European Parliament for a high-level breakfast session to tackle iodine deficiency in Europe. Hosted by MEP Stefan Köhler and organised by the Iodine Coalition Europe (ICE), the session emphasised the need for harmonised policies to provide all Europeans with sufficient iodine intake.

‘With the decrease of table salt and general change of diets‎, iodine deficiency is unfortunately making a comeback. However, table salt is often iodised. This trace mineral plays a key function in cognitive development, growth, metabolism, and, of course, thyroid function’, outlined MEP Köhler during its introductory speech.

Throughout the discussion, the speakers Joyce Greene (Iodine Global Network), Dr Sarah Bath (University of Surrey), Michael Durst (Unilever) and Dr Urs Hofmeier (EUsalt President) reinforced the importance of harmonised policies to prevent iodine deficiency across Europe. A balanced diet alone is not enough to ensure an adequate iodine intake, which is why iodised salt plays a crucial role in public health.

Key takeaways from the event:
• Iodine deficiency remains a public health issue (partially due to changing diets) —iodised salt is a simple, effective solution.
• Clear labelling regulations and regulatory alignment are needed to ensure consumer access.
• Collaboration between industry and policymakers is essential to tackle this issue across all EU Member States.

The event also marked the presentation of the Joint Statement on tackling iodine deficiency, in which the partners of the Iodine Coalition Europe call on EU policymakers to support regulatory alignment, simplify labelling, and ensure that iodised salt is widely available to protect public health.
For further information, please read the Joint Statement