Processing, sale of breast milk banned in Karnataka

BENGALURU: In view of commercialisation of human breast milk and its products, the state department of food safety and quality has banned its processing and sale in Karnataka.
“All activities related to processing and sale of human milk and its products must be stopped immediately,” a senior official told TOI. “In case of violation, legal action will be taken against the food operators under Food Safety and Quality Act-2006 and Rules-2011,” he added.
He clarified that the ban may not apply to human breast milk banks in the state.But there is no clarity on whether human breast milk banks can continue to supply and sell, with state health department officials refusing to comment on it. “The advisory was issued by the food safety commissionerate and not the health commissionerate,” said Randeep D, health commissioner.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India issued an advisory prohibiting processing/selling of human breast milk on May 24.