Food: milk; human breast milk banks, companies, and cooperatives; regulate. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 1055'24
The bill's implications extend to various parties involved in the procurement and distribution of human milk. By codifying standards, the legislation aims to minimize health risks to infants that could arise from improper handling or contaminated breast milk. It mandates that parties involved must follow established protocols based on guidelines from reputable health organizations, which could lead to improved safety and public health outcomes. Importantly, the bill addresses penalties for violations, providing a framework to hold accountable those who may compromise milk safety through negligence or malfeasance.
Senate Bill No. 1054 seeks to establish a regulatory framework for human milk banks, hospitals, and individuals involved in the donation and distribution of human breast milk in the state of Michigan. The bill outlines several key standards and practices that must be adhered to ensure the quality and safety of human milk provided for infant consumption. It introduces definitions pertinent to the industry, such as 'adulterated' and 'human milk banking company,' helping to clarify the responsibilities of stakeholders within the human milk supply chain.
One notable point of contention is the bill's penalties for non-compliance, which range from civil infractions to felonies, depending on the severity of the violation and the consequences it causes. While supporters argue that this strict framework will enhance public safety and ensure quality control, critics may view these penalties as overly harsh, potentially deterring individuals and smaller operations from participating in human milk donation. Another area of debate could revolve around the bill's stipulations for how human milk banks operate and whether these regulations could stifle community-based milk sharing efforts.
The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and it does not apply to individual-to-individual human milk sharing between families or those feeding their own children. This indicates an intent to support both formal and informal human milk exchange, while also formalizing a level of oversight intended to protect public health.