The composition of an Aussie loaf of bread will change forever today, thanks to a new mandatory food standard which demands bakers replace salt they now use with iodised salt to counter iodine deficiency in the Australian population. Iodine deficiency causes a wide spectrum of devastating mental and physical disorders, with endemic goitre the most visible and well-known.

It poses a particular risk for pregnant women, who if iodine deficient, may see abnormal brain development in their unborn child. The definition of bread extends to all products made from bread dough that contain yeast and salt and includes buns, rolls, pita, bagels, muffins, sweet breads amongst others.