The invention discloses a novel iodizing agent containing latent elemental iodine and preparation of iodized salt therefrom. The iodizing agent comprises a mixture of iodide and iodate in solution form in 5:1 molar ratio. The said iodizing agent may be prepared cost-effectively through the reaction of pure iodine crystals with a suitable alkali. Iodized salt prepared therefrom is stable in the pH range of 7.0-8.0 whereas it releases the latent elemental iodine under acidic conditions such as that which prevails in the stomach.