The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a warning against the sale and commercialization of human milk and its products. The regulatory body clarified that such activities are not permitted under the FSS Act, 2006, and its associated rules and regulations. This action is being taken in response to increasing concerns about the commercialization of breast milk, which has increased recently through a number of unapproved possibilities.
In an advisory note dated May 24, FSSAI emphasized that it has not authorized the processing or selling of human milk. "FSSAI has not permitted the processing and/or selling of human milk under the FSS Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations made below," the advisory stated. The regulatory body has also directed state and central licensing authorities to ensure that no license or registration is granted to food business operators (FBOs) involved in these activities. Violations of this directive could result in strong actions against the operators.
FSSAI's advisory was prompted by representations from various registered societies concerning the commercialization of human milk. The advisory has been issued to food safety commissioners in the United States and Union Territories, advising them to immediately stop all activities related to the commercialization of human milk and its products. The advisory stated, "Any violation of this may result in the initiation of action against the FBOs in accordance with the FSS Act, 2006, and rules and regulations made thereunder."
While the commercialization of human milk is strictly prohibited, the donation of human milk is allowed under national guidelines. Donor Human Milk (DHM) is to be provided free of charge to newborns and infants admitted to health facilities with Comprehensive Lactation Management Centres (CLMCs). The guidelines specify that the donation should be voluntary and without any monetary benefits to the donor. The donated milk is meant for feeding newborns and infants of other mothers in the hospital, ensuring it is used for those in need rather than for profit.
Despite the clear prohibition, reports indicate that the online sale of human milk has increased, with some milk banks set up as non-profits collecting milk from lactating mothers and selling it for profit. These milk banks, often associated with government hospitals, typically process the milk collected from healthy donors, checking for contamination and nutrient contents before freezing and storing it. However, concerns have been raised about the risks associated with the uncontrolled use of donated breast milk, including the potential transmission of infectious diseases and bacterial contamination during storage and handling.
Human milk is recognized for its nutritional benefits, providing a balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals customized to meet the specific needs of infants. It contains antibodies and immune cells that help protect infants from infections and diseases, contributing to healthy growth and development. However, the commercial sale of human milk undermines these benefits and raises significant health and ethical concerns.
The FSSAI's action comes after cases in which companies managed to obtain valid FSSAI licenses under the guise of selling dairy products but were later found to be selling powdered human milk obtained from women from modest backgrounds. One notable case involved Neolacta, a Bengaluru-based company from the United Kingdom, which was found to be involved in the commercialization of human milk.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
