Iodizing salt has the unique advantage of predictability. If salt is available, people consume it in a predictable range. No other food or drink can match this predictability nor the long history of cost-effective advantage of iodizing salt.
Some areas, currently, Eastern Europe, allow iodine fortification of other foods and beverages (e.g. iodized vodka). People consuming multiple iodine-fortified foods -- and public health leaders in such communities -- can have no confidence that iodine intakes are sufficient to avoid IDD while avoiding the adverse consequences of excess iodine consumption.
ICCIDD opposes fortification of foods other than salt. In some communities with critical iodine deficiencies and an impaired salt marketplace, distribution of iodine capsules to expectant mothers or iodizing oil or water can be (expensive) short-term alternatives.
