Fluoride concentration in Peruvian salts determined with specific electrode by the direct method

According to the Peruvian legislation, salt for human consumption should contain 200-250 mg F/kg, but there is limited data showing whether this requirement is being accomplished. Aim: In this pilot study, we evaluated the fluoride concentration in samples of salt marketed in Lima, Peru, using a standardized protocol with ion-specific electrode by direct method (ISE). Methods: Seven 1 kg salt packages of four brands were purchased in two supermarkets of Lima. Six aliquots of each package were weighed and dissolved in the proportion of 0.025 g/mL of water. Duplicates of 1.0 mL of these solutions were mixed with 1.0 mL of TISAB II and fluoride concentration was determined with ISE calibrated with standards fluoride solutions ranging from 0.25 to 16.0 µg F/mL. The ionic strength of the standards was adjusted with p.a NaCL (25 mg/mL). In addition, triplicates of 15 g of each salt package were fractionated in a set of sieves (0.590 to 0.177 mm) to determine the homogeneity of fluoride concentration in salt. Results: In four packages the mean fluoride (mean±SD,n=6) concentration (mg F/kg) was in agreement to the Peruvian regulation (214.5±10.4; 221.8±14.3; 226.9±19.1 and 237.2±52.0 mg F/kg), but in 3 packages it was lower (145.2±7.9; 145.7±23.3 and 158.4±20.6 mg F/kg). Variability in fluoride concentration was observed within the same brand and among brands. Also, the fluoride concentration was not homogeneous in none of the salt samples, ranging from 72.0 to 1449.7 mg F/kg. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the manufacturing and sanitary surveillance of fluoridated salt in Peru should be improved.