National programmes: iodised salt standards: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · National programmes: iodised salt standards

Sample item

A health inspector tests a packet of iodised salt at a household in a goitre-endemic area. What is the minimum iodine content expected in salt at the consumer level under Indian standards?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. 15 ppm

Indian standards require iodised salt to contain at least 30 ppm of iodine at the manufacturer or production level and at least 15 ppm at the consumer level, allowing for losses in storage and transport. The programme aims to prevent iodine deficiency disorders. Salt is the vehicle because it is consumed universally.

Option by option

  • A. 5 ppm

    5 ppm is below the standard.

  • B. 30 ppm

    30 ppm is the level required at the point of production, not at the household.

  • C. 15 ppm (correct)

    Correct. At least 15 ppm is expected at the consumer level.

  • D. 50 ppm

    50 ppm is above the standard and is not the mandated figure.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is C, 15 ppm. Indian standards require iodised salt to contain at least 30 ppm of iodine at the manufacturer or production level and at least 15 ppm at the consumer level, allowing for losses in storage and transport.

Why is "5 ppm" not the answer?

5 ppm is below the standard.

Why is "30 ppm" not the answer?

30 ppm is the level required at the point of production, not at the household.

Why is "50 ppm" not the answer?

50 ppm is above the standard and is not the mandated figure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests National programmes: iodised salt standards in PSM. The programme aims to prevent iodine deficiency disorders. Salt is the vehicle because it is consumed universally.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study National programmes: iodised salt standards?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.