FSSAI warns against sale of human milk and its products in India

The advisory instructs that all activities related to the commercialization of human milk and its products must cease immediately.

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FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
FSSAI

Last Updated on June 10, 2024 by The Health Master

Human milk

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clamped down on the commercialization of human milk (breast milk) in a recent advisory.

Issued on May 24, 2024, the FSSAI has made it clear that the processing and selling of human milk is strictly prohibited under the FSS Act, 2006.

FSSAI Cracks Down on Commercialization of Breast Milk

This move comes in response to inquiries from various organizations regarding the commercialization of breast milk and its products.

The FSSAI has clearly stated that its regulations do not permit the processing or sale of breast milk under any circumstances.

What the Advisory Says

The advisory, titled “Advisory on Unauthorized Commercialization of Human Milk and Its Products,” outlines the following key points:

FSSAI Prohibition on Breast Milk Sales:

The FSSAI reiterates that the processing and/or selling of human milk is not permitted under the FSS Act, 2006, and its associated regulations.

Halt to Commercialization Activities:

The advisory instructs that all activities related to the commercialization of human milk and its products must cease immediately.

Potential Consequences of Violation:

Non-compliance may lead to legal action against the involved Food Business Operators (FBOs) under the provisions of the FSS Act.

Licensing Restrictions:

The FSSAI further directs State and Central Licensing Authorities to ensure that no licenses or registrations are granted to FBOs seeking to process or sell breast milk.

Why the Ban?

There are several potential reasons behind the FSSAI’s decision to ban the commercialization of breast milk:

Safety Concerns:

Breast milk can be a carrier of infectious diseases if not screened and processed properly. Commercialization could introduce safety risks into the system.

Ethical Considerations:

The exploitation of vulnerable women for breast milk donation is a concern. Commercialization could exacerbate this issue.

Promotion of Breastfeeding:

India has a strong emphasis on promoting breastfeeding as the healthiest option for infants. Commercialization could undermine these efforts.

The Future of Breast Milk in India

The FSSAI’s decision clarifies the legal landscape surrounding breast milk in India.

While commercialization is off the table, there are still safe and ethical ways to provide breast milk to babies in need.

Non-profit milk banks that operate under strict guidelines will likely continue to play a vital role.

Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.

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