Iodine content and microbiological quality of dietary salts marketed in Benin

Objective: To evaluate the iodine content and microbiological contamination of salts sold at Dantokpa, the Benin's largest market, in order to assess quality throughout the distribution chain. Materials and methods: From October to November 2016, 190 salt samples were collected from 18 wholesalers and 172 salt dealers at the Dantokpa market in the town of Cotonou. Iodine content was qualitatively determined using the MBI-Kit and quantitatively by spectrophotometry. The microbiological quality assessment involved 30 samples randomly selected to count Total Mesophilic Aerobic Flora (TMAF). Results: With the MBI Kit, 47.9 % of samples did not contain iodine. By spectrophotometry, 40 % of the salts had an iodine content equal to 0 ppm, 59.5 % a content < 15 ppm and 0.53 % of the samples an iodine content ≥ 15 ppm. None of the salt samples met the Beninese recommendations of iodized salt for sale (20–60 ppm). For microbiological quality, 100 % of the samples were contaminated with microorganisms, which were staphylococci in 10 %. Conclusion: This study showed that the dietary salts sold at the Dantokpa market are not adequately iodized. In addition, some samples are contaminated with halophilic microorganisms. These disturbing results highlight the need for an immediate strengthening of the salt iodization strategy in Benin while including sellers’ awareness for a better hygiene.