Is it legal to sell breast milk in the USA?

The Legality of Selling Breast Milk in the USA
In the United States, the sale of breast milk is a complex issue that intertwines legality, ethics, and health considerations. While it is not illegal to sell breast milk, the practice exists in a largely unregulated environment, raising questions about safety and ethical sourcing.
Current Legal Framework
According to various sources, including legal commentary and health experts, the informal sale of human breast milk—whether through online platforms or personal transactions—is not governed by federal or state regulations. This means that individuals can legally sell their breast milk without facing prosecution. Dr. Jonathan Fanaroff, Co-Medical Director at a prominent children’s hospital, noted that while the practice is prevalent, he has never encountered a case where a seller was prosecuted for selling breast milk.
Market Dynamics
The market for breast milk has emerged as a unique niche, often driven by the needs of parents seeking alternatives for their infants, particularly those who may not have access to sufficient breast milk from traditional sources. Many mothers who produce excess milk choose to sell it as a means of supplementing their income. Reports indicate that some individuals have successfully made significant earnings from this practice, with estimates suggesting that a lactating mother could earn up to $23,000 a year by selling her milk.
Health and Safety Concerns
Despite the legality of selling breast milk, health experts caution against purchasing milk from unregulated sources. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings regarding the risks associated with obtaining donor milk from informal channels, such as the internet. The primary concern is the potential for contamination or the transmission of infectious diseases, which can pose serious health risks to infants.
Milk banks, which are regulated entities that collect, screen, and distribute donor milk, are considered safer alternatives. These banks ensure that the milk is tested and pasteurized, significantly reducing health risks. However, the availability of milk from these banks can be limited, leading some parents to seek out informal sales.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is legal to sell breast milk in the USA, the practice operates in a gray area of regulation and safety. Parents considering purchasing breast milk should be aware of the potential risks and are encouraged to seek out regulated milk banks whenever possible. As the market continues to grow, the conversation around the ethical implications and health standards of breast milk sales remains crucial.

What disqualifies you from donating breast milk?

You may be disqualified from donating breast milk if you: Have or are being treated for HIV, HTLV (human T-cell leukemia virus), hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. Have a sexual partner who is at risk for HIV, HTLV, hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. Have used recreational drugs within the last year.

Can you legally sell breast milk soap?

Well, it is not illegal to make and sell breastmilk soap. It’s merely unregulated. But then again so is all soap in the United States. So, why would I make breastmilk soap?

Why did the US ban raw milk?

coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter infections di- rectly linked to the consumption of unpasteur- ized milk in the past 20 years. CDC reports that from 1998 to 2005 there were 39 outbreaks in which unpasteurized milk, or cheese made from unpasteurized milk, was implicated as the cause.

Do hospitals pay for breast milk?

This fee is paid for by the hospital, not the family, and covers the cost of screening, processing, bottling, testing, labeling, tracking, and overnight shipment of the frozen pasteurized milk. The milk itself is not sold.

How do I legally sell my breast milk?

Steps

1. Find a milk bank you would like to join. Some milk banks only accept donations, but there are a lot of them out there that will pay $1 or more per ounce of breast milk.
2. Apply for a milk bank membership.
3. Undergo a screening process and blood test.
4. Follow guidelines to correctly store and transport breast milk.

Why do bodybuilders drink breast milk?

“I think the idea behind drinking breast milk for muscle growth is that it’s incredibly calorie and nutrient dense, and it has some additional healthy substances,” says Brian St. Pierre, a sports dietitian with Precision Nutrition.

How much money can you get from breast milk?

Komen® $1 for every ounce of qualified milk collected. Tiny Treasures Milk Bank – You’ll be compensated $1.20 for every qualified ounce of milk you donate.

Is it legal to sell raw milk in the US?

Federal law prohibits the sale of unpasteurized milk across state lines, but individual state laws govern the sale of unpasteurized milk within the state. These state laws vary widely.

How much does breast milk sell for in USA?

The average cost is $3-$5 per ounce, and babies can consume between 32 and 48 ounces of milk per day. In states where neither Medicaid nor commercial insurance covers donor milk, families sometimes buy unregulated breast milk online or receive donated milk from friends or family because it can be less expensive.

Is raw milk USDA approved?

Mar 18, 2024. Knowledge
Raw milk from a cow must be pasteurized to be safe. Pasteurization destroys all disease-producing organisms that may be present, making milk safe to drink. For more information contact the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 888-723-3366 or visit the FDA website.