FSSAI issued advisory on unauthorised commercialisation of human milk and its products | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
News Today Logo

FSSAI issued advisory on unauthorised commercialisation of human milk and its products

Posted 29 May 2024

1 min read

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) restated that the commercialization of human milk and its products is not permitted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

  • It also directed state licensing authorities to refrain from granting licences for the same.

 

Human milk: It contains many of distinct bioactive molecules that protect against infection and inflammation and contribute to immune maturation, organ development, and healthy microbial colonization.

  • Providing safe donor human milk to newborn is an old tradition and has been practiced across the world over last 100 years.
  • As per the national guidelines on Lactation Management Centre (LMC) in Public Health Facilities
    • Breast milk donation should be voluntary 
    • Donation is to be done only at health facility and not promoted in community settings

Issues with commercialising human milk

  • Exploitation of low-income women: Selling breastmilk risks marginalised women children's health, catering to high-income consumers
  • Quality and Safety: The risks posed by transmission of pathogens and chemical residues.
  • Commodification of human milk: The high cost of human milk can limit access based on socioeconomic status.
  • Tags :
  • FSSAI
  • Human milk
Watch News Today