The country's food regulator has issued a warning against the unauthorized commercial sale of human milk, citing that its regulations do not allow such practices.
The advisory from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), dated May 24, instructs the cessation of all activities related to the sale of human milk.
"FSSAI has not permitted the processing and/or selling of human milk under FSS Act, 2006 and rules/regulations made there under. Therefore, it is advised that all such activities related to the commercialization of human milk and its products should be immediately stopped," the advisory states.
Violations of these rules will result in action against food business operators (FBOs), according to the FSSAI advisory.
The FSSAI, responsible for regulating the manufacturing and sale of food items in the country, has also directed state and central licensing authorities to ensure that licenses are not issued to businesses involved in the processing or sale of human milk.
The online market for human milk has surged, with milk banks, set up as non-profits, collecting milk from lactating mothers and selling it for profit. A simple Google search reveals numerous options for purchasing human milk online, including Instagram handles and milk banks.
Milk banks typically process the milk collected from healthy donors, ensuring it is free from contamination and assessing its nutrient content before freezing and storing it. Most milk banks, particularly those attached to government hospitals, usually provide the milk for free.