FSSAI Issues Warning on Sale of Human Milk and Its Derivatives in India
FSSAI Issues Warning on Sale of Human Milk and Its Derivatives in India
In a directive dated 24th May, the FSSAI stated that it has received notifications from various registered organisations concerning the commercialisation of human milk and its derivatives.
26th May 2024
By Sukhmani Kooner
On 24th May, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) rejected authorisation for the processing or commercialisation of human milk according to the FSS Act, 2006. Additionally, the FSSAI has recommended discontinuing all activities associated with the commercialisation of human milk and its derivatives.
In a directive dated 24th May, named ‘Advisory on Unauthorized Commercialization of Human Milk and Its Products,’ the FSSAI stated that it has received notifications from various registered organisations concerning the commercialisation of human milk and its derivatives.
The FSSAI emphasised that it has not authorised the processing or sale of human milk under the FSS Act, 2006, and the corresponding rules and regulations.
“Therefore, it is advised that all such activities related to the commercialization of human milk and its products should be immediately stopped. Any violation to this may result initiation of action against the FBO(s) in accordance with FSS Act, 2006 and rule / regulations made thereunder,” it stated.
“Further, the State and Central Licensing Authorities should ensure that no license/registration is granted to such FBOs involved in the processing or selling of ‘Mother’s milk/Human milk’,” it added.
According to sources reported by PTI, on 21st May, the food regulator mentioned that it did not detect any ethylene oxide in samples of spices from two major brands, MDH and Everest, tested across 28 accredited laboratories. Results from six other labs are awaited.
Last month, FSSAI initiated sampling of powdered spice products from all brands nationwide, including MDH and Everest, due to quality concerns highlighted by Hong Kong and Singapore. The Hong Kong’s Center for Food Safety (CFS) had advised against purchasing specific spice mix products from MDH and Everest due to ethylene oxide levels exceeding permissible limits. These products include MDH’s Madras Curry Powder, Everest Fish Curry Masala, MDH Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, and MDH Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder.
Sources indicate that a nationwide initiative commenced on 22nd April, coordinated by all state and Union Territory food safety commissioners and regional directors of FSSAI.
Reportedly, samples of Everest spices were obtained from two manufacturing sites, while FSSAI collected a total of 25 samples from MDH across 11 manufacturing facilities.
