The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a stern warning against the unauthorized commercialization of human milk and its products. In an advisory dated May 24, the FSSAI has advised that all activities related to the commercialization of human milk and its products must cease immediately. This move comes in response to growing concerns over the exploitation of women and the potential risks associated with commercialized human milk.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the FSSAI has banned the sale of human milk and its products. The advisory emphasizes that human milk should only be used to feed newborn babies or infants and that any commercial activities related to it are strictly prohibited. The safety body has warned that any violation of this advisory will result in punitive measures under the FSS Act, 2006, and its associated regulations.
The FSSAI has also directed licensing authorities not to grant approval to units involved in the sale of human milk. This move aims to prevent the exploitation of women who may be coerced into selling their milk for commercial gain. The advisory further clarifies that the donation of human breast milk should be voluntary and free of charge, with the intention of supporting the nutritional needs of other infants in hospitals.
The commercialization of human milk has been a growing concern in recent years. Companies have emerged that process and sell human milk, often under the guise of selling dairy products. However, it has been found that these companies are sourcing milk from women from humble backgrounds and selling it at a profit. The FSSAI has taken steps to address this issue by revoking the license of Neolacta, a Bengaluru-based company from the United Kingdom (UK) that was involved in the commercialization of human milk.
The FSSAI’s advisory has been welcomed by organizations such as the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI), which has long advocated for legal action against companies involved in the commercialization of human milk. Dr. Arun Gupta, the central coordinator of BPNI, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that market forces should not dictate the commercialization of human milk and human nutrition. Overall, the FSSAI’s proactive measures against the commercialization of human milk reflect its commitment to upholding food safety standards and protecting the health of women and infants in India. By prohibiting the sale and processing of human milk, the FSSAI is sending a clear message that human milk should be treated with the utmost.