A new study has suggested that about 10% of breast milk purchased over the Internet is mixed with cows' milk. As per the health experts associated with the study, the results raise concerns about the safety of breast milk sold on the Internet.

A group of scientists who two years ago found very high levels of dangerous bacteria and other micro-organisms in breast milk sold online has carried out this study. The scientists said that providing baby breast milk that comes from somebody other than his own mother is a centuries' old practice.

Parents who are not able to give their own breast milk to infants or women who are not able to produce sufficient milk or have a medical condition that did not allow breastfeeding are keen to find alternative sources. Families in California can receive donated breast milk from state-regulated banks and also from communities such as the Bay Area Breast milk Cooperative.

According to experts, regulated banks are broadly believed as the safest source and Bay Area Breastmilk Cooperative has a Facebook page where parents can arrange milk exchanges. Dr. Valerie Flaherman, a pediatrician at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, said purchasing breast milk online from unfamiliar persons to feed infant seems like one of the most stupid things people can possibly do.

The scientists said that the milk of cow can be unsafe for infants with fragile digestive systems or who might have allergies. It has been indicated that if there's undisclosed cows' milk in breast milk that's sold online there is a possibility that there might be other unwanted additives in there also.

"I don't think anyone intends to harm someone else's baby. But on both sides of that transaction, there is no way they can test the milk to tell if it's safe", said Sarah Keim, a researcher at the Nationwide Children's Hospital in Ohio and lead author of the breast milk study.