V. M. Zaitsev

A Case of Breast Milk Adulteration

From the Department of General Hygiene, Izhevsk Medical Institute

Because donors of human breast milk are granted substantial material benefits, abuses may occur in the absence of proper oversight.

We encountered a case of breast milk adulteration. A woman identified as X. was a donor to several children’s institutions, including a nursery. Each day she supplied 250 g of milk, expressing it at home and then delivering it to the nursery. Citing various reasons, X. refused to express milk at the nursery.

During the preceding two months, nursery staff had observed that the children receiving X.’s milk “consumed it reluctantly” and regurgitated it; there were also cases of diarrhea. The milk tasted somewhat sweeter than usual. Several samples were examined in the laboratory and found to contain more water (91.2%) and less dry residue (8.8%) than the average standard values (König, Maslov, and others). The sugar content was normal (7.36%), while the fat content was much lower (0.9–1.5%).

Alongside the milk X. brought from home, a sample she expressed directly in the laboratory was also examined. The analysis yielded the following results: water 88.2%, dry residue 11.8%, sugar 7.15%, and fat 2.7%. Thus, apart from its low fat content, this milk sample conformed to the standard values.

An investigation established that X. had diluted the milk with water and added a small amount of sugar.

Conclusions

1. The procedure requiring donors to express breast milk either directly at the children’s institution or at home in the presence of a visiting nurse must be strictly observed.
2. Systematic laboratory monitoring of donor milk must be instituted.