Why the food safety authority recommends against ingesting breast milk and why a Chennai store that sells it has been shut by the FSSAI

Officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authorities of India (FSSAI) in Chennai took strong action against a business that they believed was selling human breast milk. After a complaint was received, the outlet was placed under inspection for ten days. Reports state that a surprise examination on Friday discovered a secret supply of breast milk, despite the fact that no sales were recorded throughout the surveillance period.

Test samples have been sent from the retrieved bottles, which were priced at ₹500 for 50ml. It's crucial to remember that breast milk cannot be sold for profit in India. The FSSAI clarified last week in an advice that selling and processing human milk is against the FSS Act of 2006.

Consuming breast milk, especially from unregulated sources, might be detrimental for the following reasons, according to Dr. Kranthi Shilpa, Consultant Gynecologist, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad:

- Infections and Contaminations: Hepatitis, HIV, and bacterial infections are just a few of the infectious diseases that can be spread through breast milk. Inadequate screening and pasteurization of the milk can leave it contaminated with dangerous germs.

- Adulteration and Contamination: Hygiene and safety regulations may not be met by breast milk sold commercially. There is a chance that dangerous materials will get contaminated, either by careless handling or deliberate adulteration.