Iodine Deficiency is a worldwide major public health problem. About 1.5 billion people at risk of Iodine Defeciency Disorders (IDD)and more than 70 millions are having Goitre and other IDD problem. Government of India (GOI) launched a 100% centrally assisted National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP) in 1962. Aimed at production and supply of iodized salt to known endemic areas and survey of areas where Goitre was reported.

The Survey conducted showed that no point of the country is free from IDD, including plain and coastal regions. The Central Goitre Control Review Committee 1983 recommended universal iodization of edible salt for human consumption in the country and notification was issued under Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954.

A new evidences that come to light that Iodine is the most common cause of preventable mental retardation among children has led to an international focus on elimination of IDD. Thus the NGCP was renamed as National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme (NIDDCP) in 1992.