fssai-bans-sale-of-mother-s-milk-warns-violators

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a stern warning to food business operators against the sale and commercialisation of mother's milk. The regulator has directed licensing authorities across the country to deny approvals for processing and selling human milk, citing concerns over unauthorized activities.

Amid reports of certain entities marketing mother's milk openly, the FSSAI released an advisory on May 24 addressing the issue.

The advisory highlights the "unauthorised commercialisation of human milk and its products," stating unequivocally that the regulator has not sanctioned any such activities.

The advisory, sent to food safety commissioners of all States and Union Territories, emphasized that FSSAI has not permitted the processing or selling of human milk under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its subsequent rules and regulations.

The move comes in response to representations from various registered societies expressing concerns over the commercialisation of human milk.

"This office is in receipt of representations from various registered societies regarding commercialisation 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 thereunder," the advisory stated.

The FSSAI has advised that all activities related to the commercialisation of human milk should be halted immediately. Any violation of this directive will result in legal action against the food business operators (FBOs) involved, as per the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006.

Furthermore, the FSSAI has instructed state and central licensing authorities to ensure that no licenses or registrations are granted to FBOs involved in the processing or selling of "mother's milk/human milk."

This decisive action by the FSSAI aims to curb the unauthorized and potentially hazardous practice of commercialising human milk, safeguarding public health and maintaining strict regulatory standards within the food industry.