Explained: Why food safety body has warned against the sale of human milk

When it comes to a wholesome meal for infants, human milk or mother's milk is said to be the perfect and ideal choice. As per the National Library of Medicine, human milk contains many hundreds to thousands of distinct bioactive molecules that protect against infection and inflammation and contribute to immune maturation, organ development, and healthy microbial colonization.In recent times, this purest form of nutrition has come under the radar of commercialisation and is being sold via different milk banks. This has surely raised concerns, and that led to the food
In an advisory dated May 24, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has advised all activities related to human milk sales to be stopped.
The advisory reads, ""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."
Any violation of the rules will lead to action against the food business operators (FBOs), the FSSAI said in its advisory.

If reports are to be believed, FSSAI has also called on state and central licensing authorities to ensure licenses are not given to food businesses involved in processing or selling human milk.
Also Read: The best time to drink milk to get maximum benefits
As per reports, the online sale of human milk has boomed with milk banks set up as nonprofits collecting milk from lactating mothers and selling them at a profit.
How do they sell human milk?
As per experts, milk banks associated with government hospitals usually process the milk collected from healthy donors (lactating mothers) and check contamination and nutrient contents before freezing and storing them.
Side effects of consuming donated human milk
As per a report, titled, 'Risks associated with the uncontrolled use of donated breast milk', human milk is a biological fluid, and thus carries a risk of transmitting infectious diseases from donor to recipient. The infections reported as transmissible through milk include bacterial, viral, parasite and prion infections. Thus, viral diseases caused by HIV, CMV or HTLV, which have a considerable impact on the short- or long-term health of the newborn, can be transmitted through human milk. Furthermore, this milk can be exposed to bacterial contamination during its storage and handling (expression, preservation, storage and transport). Research has shown that there is a higher prevalence of bacterial contamination in breast milk sold over the internet compared to milk given by donors to banks, and also that nearly 10% of it contains some cow's milk added to increase the volume of the milk.

Also Read: 6 incredible benefits of drinking cow's milk
Benefits of human milk
Human milk provides a perfectly balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of infants. This optimal nutrition supports healthy growth and development during the critical early stages of life. It is also proven to contain antibodies, immune cells, and other bioactive compounds that help protect infants from infections and diseases. This natural immunity reduces the risk of illnesses such as ear infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal problems. It is also said that human milk has essential fatty acids and other nutrients that are crucial for brain development. Studies have shown that breastfed infants often have higher IQ scores and better cognitive function compared to those who are formula-fed.

Benefits for lactating mothers
As per experts, breastfeeding promotes the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly. This process also reduces postpartum bleeding, aiding in faster recovery after childbirth.Breastfeeding has also been linked to a lower risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Hormonal changes during lactation, such as delayed menstruation and reduced lifetime exposure to estrogen, contribute to this protective effect.