Regulate the sale of breast milk online
This practice has drawbacks. Babies being fed this milk may be at risk as there is no quality control. The buyers know nothing about the mother who is selling it online and if, for example, she has an infectious disease that could be carried in the milk. The quality of the milk may deteriorate in transit, especially during the hot summer months, so the food safety aspect should be a huge concern to the authorities.
Also, there have been scandals of criminals selling fake or tainted food. I am also worried that mothers from poor families might sell all their breast milk, leaving their babies deprived of it and having to depend on milk formula instead.
However, it does have some advantages. Some mothers may not be able to breastfeed for health reasons and so this would give them access to breast milk. And if some poor mothers had excess milk, it would bring them much-needed income.
The business of buying and selling breast milk online should be regulated by the government, so that everything is above board and the milk is safe.
Priscilla Ko Ka-ying, Tseung Kwan O
