INDIA – The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a stringent advisory prohibiting the sale and processing of human milk.
The notice, released on May 24, mandated that all states refrain from granting licenses to sell or process human milk, addressing rising concerns over the commercialization of this sensitive resource.
The advisory emphasized that donor human milk is intended solely for feeding newborns and infants within health facilities, in accordance with the guidelines on Lactation Management Centres (LMCs).
The FSSAI clarified that the free and voluntary donation of breast milk, which is typically without monetary compensation, must remain strictly for charitable purposes, ensuring the milk is used free of charge.
The regulatory body issued a stark warning against any violations, promising strict punitive measures under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
“All activities related to the commercialization of human milk and its products must be stopped immediately,” the FSSAI stated.
“Any violation will result in the initiation of action against the Food Business Operator (FBO) as per the FSS Act, 2006 and the rules/regulations made thereunder.”
This decisive action comes in response to multiple registered societies attempting to convince the FSSAI to allow the processing and commercialization of human milk—a request that was unequivocally denied.
The FSSAI revealed that some companies had obtained licenses under the guise of selling dairy products, only to be discovered later selling powdered human milk sourced from women of destitute backgrounds.
The Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) has been a vocal advocate against the commercial exploitation of human milk, supporting the cancellation of licenses for companies found engaging in these unethical practices.
Neolacta, a Bengaluru-based company with ties to the United Kingdom, was notably one of the companies whose license was revoked following the discovery of their involvement in the commercialization of human milk.
Nathan Gilbert, Executive Director of B Lab Europe, commended the FSSAI’s efforts, stating there is hope that this action will inspire other regulatory bodies to enforce similar measures to protect vulnerable populations and ensure the ethical handling of human milk.
Meanwhile, the FSSAI’s advisory has underscored the importance of maintaining ethical standards in the handling of human milk.
By banning its sale and processing, the FSSAI is set to protect both donors and recipients, ensuring that human milk remains a resource for those in genuine need rather than a commercial commodity.
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