Under Secretary for Food & Health Prof Gabriel Leung says claims iodised salt will protect people from radiation are totally unfounded, adding an overdose of iodine will be harmful to health.
Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Prof Leung said 85% of salt available in the market is not iodised and the iodide content of iodised salt is low.
He said iodide tablets are only required for people who work very close to the source of radiation.
Prof Leung said it is unlikely the salt supply will be affected by the nuclear crisis in Japan because the contamination of the sea water around Japan will be much diluted or washed away after some time. The Government has contacted salt wholesalers and suppliers to ensure a stable salt supply.
The Centre for Food Safety has stepped up its radiation surveillance of fresh produce from Japan. So far, 86 batches of food imported into Hong Kong have been tested and no abnormality detected.
