FDA considers regulating milk banks

There's been a lot of publicity recently about women who buy breast milk on the Internet--a rather careless and potentially dangerous practice.  I've written about this before.  Granted, milk from milk banks runs anywhere from three to five dollars an ounce and that can add up.  But when you buy milk from a bank you know the donor has been screened, and the milk has been pasteurized.  When you buy milk from someone on the Internet you have no control.  You don't really know what that person's lifestyle was or is.  You have no idea if the person is HIV positive or a carrier of some other disease that could jeopardize your child's life.  The risk of contamination and the potential spread of illness are simply not worth it, even if it's cheaper to buy milk that way.

That said, people are doing it.  And that plus other issues has prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider reglating milk banks regarding the donation and distribution channels. 

Just to clarify:  The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) which was established about 15 years ago, sets standards and guidelines for its banks to follow.  There are currently 10 banks under it's umbrella with more forming. They are all nonprofit.

The issue is that more and more people are setting up milk banks--some for profit and others not.  Many voluntarily follow the guidelines set forth by HMBANA.  But not all do.  And with the Internet it's easy to set up shop and distribute donated breast milk.  Hence, the FDA's concern.  Critics argue that regulation will stifle the ability of mothers to be able to afford it and that getting breast milk into a baby is the most important thing.  But caution is well advised here and the FDA is doing the right thing by asking experts and considering regulations.  The FDA has strict regulations when it comes to infant formula.  That's good.  Afterall, this is food that is going into the mouths of the most vulnerable.  So it stands to reason, that the same precautions should be taken with milk banks.