Iodized salt is made by adding potassium iodide or potassium iodate to regular salt at a dosage of 20-50 micrograms per kilogram. Long-term consumption of counterfeit iodized salt can cause difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, hoarseness, listlessness, and even thyroid tumors. So, how can you tell the difference between real and fake iodized salt?
1. Look at the packaging
Refined iodized salt is packaged in polyethylene plastic bags with the words "iodized" or "iodized salt" printed on them, along with the manufacturer and production date. The printing is clear, does not rub off, the bag is thick or has a coating, and the seal is neat and airtight. The packaging of counterfeit iodized salt has blurry or smudged "iodized" or "iodized salt" text that can be rubbed off. The packaging is simple and not airtight, with an uneven seal.
2. Check the color
Refined iodized salt is pure white in appearance and has a laser anti-counterfeiting mark. Counterfeit iodized salt may have an unusual color, such as pale yellow or dark black, is not completely dry, is prone to moisture, and lacks a laser anti-counterfeiting mark.
3. Feel it by hand
Refined iodized salt feels loose and granules are uniform when pinched. Counterfeit iodized salt clumps together when pinched and does not crumble easily.
4. Taste it
Refined iodized salt has a pure salty taste. Counterfeit iodized salt has a salty but bitter or astringent taste. Alternatively, sprinkle salt on a cut surface of a potato. If it turns blue, it is real iodized salt. If there is no blue reaction, it is counterfeit.