Levels of iodine of foods found in Hong Kong were analysed in 271 samples from 11 groups, including (i) cereals
and grain products, (ii) legumes and vegetables, (iii) meat and poultry, (iv) egg and egg products, (v) milk and
milk products, (vi) fish, (vii) crustaceans and mollusks, (viii) non-alcoholic beverages, (ix) condiments and sauces,
(x) sashimi and (xi) seaweeds. All food samples were analysed individually as purchased. The iodine in all samples
ranged from undetectable to 2.9 g kg1. Seaweeds, iodised salt, seafood, milk and milk products as well as egg
and egg products were rich sources of iodine. To estimate the influence of cooking on iodine levels in foods,
a total of 15 individual samples were analysed as raw and respective cooked food. The influence of cooking on the
iodine level was minimal, except for boiling, as iodine dissolved into the soup.