HARRISBURG – The PA Senate Health and Human Services Committee unanimously passed legislation to prohibit the sale of human breast milk over the internet. Bill sponsor, Sen. Amanda Cappelletti of Delaware & Montgomery Counties says online marketplaces for human breast milk operate with virtually no regulation, meaning milk sold online is highly unlikely to be screened for infectious diseases and bacteria. The American Academy of Pediatrics conducted a study in 2013, finding that 74% of milk samples purchased over the internet contained harmful bacteria like staph, strep, salmonella, and E.coli and that some breast milk sold online contains cow’s milk. Senate Bill 270 would protect consumers who may not be aware of the risks, and any violations would be classified as a summary offense. It would not interfere with the informal donation of breast milk among family members and friends. The bill goes to the full state Senate.
SEN. AMANDA CAPPELLETTI