FSSAI tightens noose on commercialization of human milk: Directive issued to states

 

India’s premier food safety regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered all states not to give out licenses anymore for the sale or processing of human milk. This directive, dated May 24th, signifies the need to put a stop to any form of commercialization of human milk and its products with immediate effect.

Prohibition on Commercial Activities

The FSSAI regulations are categorical that there should be no selling or any other business activity related to human breast milk. The advisory insists that it is only meant for feeding newborns or infants in health centers. Any violation of this order will attract stringent penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 together with its associated regulations.

Recently, several companies have come up with processing and selling human milk. Some were even able to get legitimate FSSAI permits by falsely claiming that they sold dairy products. They later turned out to be selling powdered women’s milk sourced from poor women.

Advocacy for Regulation

For many years now, the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) has been urging the government to take action against them. Dr Arun Gupta who is BPNI’s central coordinator emphasized on urgency needed when it comes