FSSAI warns against sale of human milk and products in India: ‘Not permitted’

The top food regulatory authority said it has not permitted the processing or selling of human milk under FSS Act, 2006.

Published on: May 26, 2024, 09:12:29 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a stern warning on Friday against selling human milk and its products, noting that the commercialization of mother's milk is not permitted in the country.

FSSAI prohibits commercialization of mother's milk in country (Unsplash)

“This office is in receipt of representations from various registered societies regarding commercialization of human milk and its products. In this regard, it may be noted that FSSAI has not permitted the processing and / or selling of human milk under FSS Act, 2006 and rules/regulations made there under,” it said in an advisory note.

ALSO READ- Nestle adds sugar to infant milk, cereal products sold in several countries including India, study claims

All activities related to the commercialization of human milk and its products must be immediately stopped, it added.

Any violation of this directive may result in action against the food business operators (FBOs) as per the FSS Act, 2006, and its associated rules and regulations, the top food regulatory body said.

FSSAI also asked licensing authorities to not give approval to such units involved in sale of human milk. “The State and Central Licensing Authorities should ensure that no license/registration is granted to such FBOs involved in the processing or selling of 'Mother's milk/Human milk.”

ALSO READ- Amul: 50 yrs of a milk revolution that changed Indian cooperative enterprises forever

Is donation of human milk allowed?

According to national guidelines, Donor Human Milk (DHM) cannot be used for commercial purposes. It must be provided to newborns and infants admitted to health facilities with Comprehensive Lactation Management Centres (CLMCs).

ALSO READ- ICMR says avoid milk tea; suggests when to drink tea and coffee, raises concern over excess consumption in new guideline

The donation of human breast milk should be done freely and voluntarily, without any monetary benefits to the donor. The donated milk is meant to be used free of charge to feed newborns and infants of other mothers in the hospital, the government regulations say.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay updated with the latest Business News, stock market updates, petrol and diesel prices, gold and silver rates, income tax updates and major developments from India and across the world.