KIO3 and iodine are not the same number
Iodized salt contains an iodine compound, not elemental iodine. SNI 3556:2016 expresses the content as potassium iodate (KIO3) (source), while WHO guidance expresses it as iodine (I) (source). A KIO3 molecule also carries potassium and oxygen, so 30 mg of KIO3 is not 30 mg of iodine. Comparing two figures without checking the basis can lead to a wrong specification.
mg/kg is the same as ppm (parts per million) by mass. So 30 mg/kg KIO3 can also be written as 30 ppm KIO3, and 17.8 mg/kg iodine as 17.8 ppm iodine.
How to convert KIO3 to iodine
Our own calculation from standard atomic masses, rounded.
- 01
Molar mass of KIO3
K 39.10 + I 126.90 + 3 × O 16.00 = 214.00 g/mol.
- 02
Iodine share
126.90 ÷ 214.00 = 0.593, so iodine is 59.3% of the mass of KIO3.
- 03
Multiply the KIO3 content by 0.593
30 mg/kg KIO3 × 0.593 = 17.8 mg iodine/kg.
- 04
For the reverse, divide by 0.593
20 mg iodine/kg ÷ 0.593 = 33.7 mg/kg KIO3; 40 mg iodine/kg ÷ 0.593 = 67.5 mg/kg KIO3.
SNI 3556:2016 requirements (iodized consumption salt)
Source: UNNES IJCS. A revision, RSNI3 3556:2024, is in progress, so check which version applies before using these figures in a contract.
| Parameter | Requirement | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| NaCl | Minimum 94 | % dry basis (adbk) |
| Moisture | Maximum 7 | % |
| Water-insoluble matter | Maximum 0.5 | % |
| Potassium iodate (KIO3) | Minimum 30 | mg/kg |
| Lead (Pb) | Maximum 10 | mg/kg |
| Cadmium (Cd) | Maximum 0.5 | mg/kg |
This is the reference standard, not a Ventura product specification. This page does not state that Ventura holds SNI certification; SNI/distribution permit number: [awaiting data].
SNI, WHO and Malaysia on one basis
| Reference | Expressed as | Figure | Iodine equivalent | KIO3 equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNI 3556:2016 | KIO3 | Minimum 30 mg/kg | About 17.8 mg/kg | 30 mg/kg |
| WHO (Dary, 2011) | Iodine, at production | 20–40 mg/kg | 20–40 mg/kg | About 33.7–67.5 mg/kg |
| Malaysia, Ministry of Health | To be confirmed by the buyer | 20–40 mg/kg | Depends on basis | Depends on basis |
Equivalents are our own calculation using the 0.593 factor.
What to check when shipping to Malaysia
Malaysia has required universal salt iodisation since 30 September 2020, at 20–40 mg/kg (Ministry of Health Malaysia). Before setting a specification, the buyer must confirm whether that 20–40 mg/kg is expressed as iodine, as KI or as KIO3, because each basis converts differently.
For example, salt that only meets the SNI minimum of 30 mg/kg KIO3 contains about 17.8 mg iodine/kg. If the Malaysian figure is expressed as iodine, that is below 20 mg/kg. If it is expressed as KIO3, 30 mg/kg falls inside the range. The KIO3 target for a Malaysian order should therefore be written into the contract rather than assumed from SNI. Market details are on the Malaysia export page.
The WHO figure applies at the point of production. Iodine content can fall during storage and distribution, so the point of measurement, at production or on arrival, also needs to be agreed.
Ventura iodized SKUs
KIO3 content for each SKU will be filled from the batch COA. The iodine equivalent is calculated with the 0.593 factor once the KIO3 value is available.
| Product | Code | KIO3 (mg/kg) | Iodine equivalent (mg/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iodized Fine Salt Mesh 16 | VS-YH16 | [COA] | [COA] |
| Iodized Fine Salt Mesh 18 | VS-YH18 | [COA] | [COA] |
| Iodized Fine Salt Mesh 20 | VS-YH20 | [COA] | [COA] |
| Iodized Fine Salt Mesh 26 | VS-YH26 | [COA] | [COA] |
| Iodized Powder Salt K100 | VS-YP100 | [COA] | [COA] |
Ventura is Halal certified; certificate details on Quality & Halal. SNI/distribution permit number: [awaiting data].
When to choose non-iodized salt
Non-iodized salt is used when the buyer’s process does not need iodine, as in some industrial uses, or when the buyer adds iodine itself. For salt sold as consumption salt, check the iodisation rules of the destination country before choosing the non-iodized line. See non-iodized salt and iodized salt.