Is it legal to sell breastmilk on Facebook?

The Legality of Selling Breast Milk on Facebook
In recent years, the sale of human breast milk has gained attention, particularly through social media platforms like Facebook. As parents seek alternatives to formula feeding for various reasons, the question arises: Is it legal to sell breast milk on Facebook?
Understanding the Legal Framework
The legality of selling breast milk varies significantly by country and region. In the United States, for instance, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate breast milk as a food product the same way it does for infant formula. Instead, it views breast milk as a biological product, leading to a lack of comprehensive federal regulations governing its sale.
However, individual states may have their own laws regarding the sale of human milk. Some states have passed legislation that prohibits the sale of breast milk for profit, while others may allow it under certain conditions. For example, California permits the sale of breast milk but requires that sellers adhere to strict health guidelines to ensure safety.
Facebook’s Policies
When it comes to social media platforms, Facebook’s Community Standards play a crucial role. Facebook does allow the sale of breast milk, but it must comply with their policies regarding health and safety. Sellers are typically required to declare that the milk is for personal use and should not make claims regarding its health benefits that could be misleading or false.
Additionally, Facebook may remove posts or accounts that violate its guidelines or that are reported as being unsafe. Users should be cautious and aware of the potential risks involved in buying or selling breast milk online.
Ethical Considerations
Beyond the legal aspects, the sale of breast milk raises significant ethical concerns. Issues such as the potential for contamination, the necessity for proper screening, and the overall health of the donor are vital considerations. Milk banks, which often provide breast milk for infants in need, typically have rigorous screening processes to ensure safety. These standards may not apply to informal sales on platforms like Facebook.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is generally legal to sell breast milk on Facebook, the legality can vary based on local laws and the policies of the platform itself. Potential sellers and buyers should be aware of the legal and ethical implications associated with the transaction. The growing market for breast milk reflects broader societal trends, but it is essential for individuals to prioritize safety and legality in these transactions. As the conversation continues around the sale of human milk, regulatory bodies and social media platforms may adapt their guidelines to better protect consumers and ensure the health of infants relying on breast milk.

Is breastfeeding allowed on Facebook?

As Facebook’s statement notes, the company has no problem with a woman’s breast and/or nipple as long as the photo includes a nursing baby. If Facebook receives complaints about a woman’s breast being exposed and breastfeeding is not happening, the company enforces its policy and removes the photo.

What products Cannot be sold on Facebook?

What cannot be sold on Facebook Marketplace.

• Digital products or subscriptions.
• Weapons, ammunition or explosives.
• Animals.
• Illegal, prescription or recreational drugs.
• Medical or healthcare products.
• Tobacco products and related paraphernalia.
• Ingestible supplements.
• Adult products and services.

Does Facebook allow breastfeeding?

Here’s the full explanation from Facebook’s help center. Does Facebook allow photos of mothers breastfeeding? Yes. We agree that breastfeeding is natural and beautiful, and we’re very glad to know that it is important for mothers to share their experiences with others on Facebook.

What is prohibited to sell on Facebook?

Weapons, ammunition or explosives. Animals. Illegal, prescription or recreational drugs. Medical or healthcare products.

Is it illegal to sell breastmilk on Facebook?

Despite the Food and Drug Administration’s recent warning regarding the risks of obtaining donor milk from sources such as the Internet,9 the informal sale of human breast milk, whether through the Internet or some other means, is not regulated by the federal government or any state government.

Can you post breastfeeding on Facebook?

Why images of breastfeeding? That’s a question for the spammers, but such images may be seen by bad actors as a loophole in Facebook’s community guidelines, which restrict most types of nudity but make exceptions for photos of breastfeeding mothers.

Why can’t you post breast pumps on Facebook Marketplace?

POLICY. Commerce content may not promote the buying, selling, or trading of medical and healthcare products and services, including medical devices, or ingestible supplements.

How much does breastmilk sell for?

Without insurance, donor breast milk can cost $3.50 to $5 per oz. Milk bank fees cover the costs of processing, which ensures distributed milk is safe and high quality. Commercial milk banks often compensate donors, while nonprofit milk banks do not.

Is it illegal to sell breast pumps?

Selling your used breast pump
If you want to sell your breast pump, the same rules apply: The FDA does not recommend single-user pumps be sold or shared with another breastfeeding parent. Only pumps specifically made to be multi-user pumps should be used by more than one person.

Why won’t Facebook let me sell breast pumps?

You can get around it and breast pumps have plenty of resale value. Facebook decided that pumps are considered a medical device and you’re not allowed to sell it.