FSSAI issues warning against sale of human milk and its products in India

News Excerpt: 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has denied permission for the processing and selling of human milk under the FSS Act, 2006. The food regulator has also advised that all activities relating to the commercialisation of human milk and its products must be stopped.

More about News:

  • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released an advisory on May 24, titled "Advisory on Unauthorized Commercialization of Human Milk and its Products."
    • The advisory was issued in response to representations received from various registered societies regarding the commercialization of human milk and its products.
  • FSSAI has not permitted the processing and/or selling of human milk under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules/regulations made thereunder.
  • Any violation of this advisory may result in the initiation of action against the Food Business Operators (FBOs) in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules/regulations made thereunder.
  • FSSAI instructed the state and central licensing authorities to ensure that no license/registration is granted to FBOs involved in the processing or selling of "Mother's Milk/Human Milk."

Donation of Human Milk: Allowed or Not

  • Donation of human milk is allowed, but it cannot be used for commercial purposes.
  • Donor human milk (DHM) can only be provided to newborns and infants admitted to health facilities with Comprehensive Lactation Management Centres (CLMCs).
  • 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, as per government regulations.
  • The commercialization or selling of human milk and its products is prohibited according to the FSSAI advisory.

Reasons found for reduced supply of breast milk:

Lack of Breast Growth During Pregnancy
  • The study revealed a significant association between the lack of breast growth or increase in breast size during pregnancy and low milk supply. 
  • Approximately 72% of women with low milk supply reported no noticeable change in their breast appearance throughout the course of their pregnancy. 
  • This finding suggests that a lack of breast growth during pregnancy could be an indicator for healthcare professionals to anticipate potential milk supply issues after the baby is born.
Breast Hypoplasia
  • Breast hypoplasia, characterized by underdeveloped breast tissue, was identified as another potential reason for reduced milk supply. 
  • The study found that more than two-thirds (approximately 70%) of the participants reported having at least one irregularly shaped breast, which could be indicative of breast hypoplasia. 
  • Although the exact prevalence of breast hypoplasia was not quantified, its presence may contribute to lower milk production.
High Body Mass Index (BMI) Around Puberty
  • The research established a link between a high BMI around the time of puberty and low milk supply. 
  • While this connection needs further validation through population-based studies, it highlights the potential impact of weight and body composition during critical developmental stages on future milk production.

 

FOOD SAFETY AND STANDARDS ACT, 2006

  • The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 received the assent of the President on 23rd August, 2006,and is hereby published for general information:-FOOD SAFETY AND STANDARDS ACT, 2006 No. 34 OF 2006.
  • It is an Act to consolidate the laws relating to food and to establish the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for laying down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import, to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

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