Breast milk ice cream seized amid health and safety complaints
Health officials in London have put a deep freeze on supplies of breast milk ice cream after receiving health and safety complaints from two men.
Ice cream salon The Icecreamists in Covent Garden garnered headlines around the world last week after debuting their "Baby Gaga," a vanilla and lemon-scented dessert churned with human breast milk. The ice cream sold out within hours of its launch on February 25 and more batches were in the midst of being prepared.
Local health officials at Westminster City Council said the investigation began after receiving two safety complaints from the public. According to The Icecreamists' Twitter feed, the complainants were two men.
"Ironic, eh?" they tweeted.
Owners said the milk, donated by mothers who responded to online ads, was screened in line with blood donor requirements.
"All milk rig screened at clinic. If bad for ice cream, bad for babies -- Close London's Milk Banks!" they tweeted in defense.
Viruses like HIV and hepatitis can be transmitted through breast milk. The product is now being tested to see if it's fit for human consumption. The ice creamery touted the dessert as an organic and all-natural product and was being sold for £14 or (16 euros). The dessert was served in a martini glass with a bottle of breast milk cocktail on the side.
It's not the first time restaurateurs have caused a stir by using human breast milk as a major ingredient in their food. Chef Daniel Angerer of Klee Brasserie in New York also used his wife's milk to make cheese for his restaurant. The cheese appeared on a canapé with figs and Hungarian pepper.
