The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive on May 24, 2023, prohibiting the processing or sale of human milk under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act). The directive also mandates the cessation of all activities related to the commercialization of human milk and its products.
This directive reinforces the FSSAI’s commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India. The FSSAI recognizes that human milk is a valuable nutritional source for infants and should not be subjected to commercial exploitation.
The directive is a significant step towards protecting consumers from the potential risks associated with the processing and sale of human milk. It also aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations to promote and support breastfeeding as the optimal feeding method for infants.
The FSSAI has advised all stakeholders, including milk banks, hospitals, and healthcare professionals, to comply with the directive and discontinue all activities related to the commercialization of human milk. The FSSAI will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action to ensure compliance.
