FSSAI Directs Food Businesses To Remove A1, A2 Milk Claims

With the population of India rising at an exponential rate, the cases of adulteration, false food claims, and hazards have increased tremendously. To monitor the Food and Beverages (F&B) industry and to manage the health and safety of the people, Indian authorities continuously look into the buzzing trends, complaints, and safety issues.

FSSAI, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has recently made the headlines with its latest orders asking the food businesses to remove the labels that claim A1 and A2 milk. But before you dive deeper into the statement issued by FSSAI, here is some clarification on what A1 and A2 milk actually are.

What Are A1 And A2 Milk?

As you might know, milk is composed of different types of protein. As per a study published in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research in 2016, one of the most prominent types is casein which accounts for 80% of the total protein content in the milk. Now, casein is further divided into three major types: alpha, beta, and K-casein.

Out of the three, beta-casein is the most significant in terms of nutritional impact. A1 and A2 milk are two genetic variants of the beta-casein protein found in cow's milk. Coming to the scientific terminologies, the difference between these variants lies in a single amino acid at position 67 of the beta-casein protein. A study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2012, states that A1 milk contains the amino acid histidine, while A2 milk contains the amino acid proline.

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FSSAI On A1 And A2 Milk

As per reports, the latest statement of FSSAI states, "It has come to the notice of FSSAI that several Food Business Operators (FBO) are selling/marketing milk and milk products such as ghee, butter, curd, etc., in the name of A1 and A2 under FSSAI licence number." It also added, “these claims do not conform with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.”

However, reportedly, a food regulator informed that the current regulations stated by FSSAI do not recognise the difference and thus the Food Business Owners (FBOs) are instructed to remove such claims from their products. 

Reports suggest that the regulator also said, “A1 and A2 is the category developed by marketing gimmick. It's essential that we eliminate misleading claims that can misinform consumers.” The reports further suggest that the e-commerce platforms and websites that have the A1 and A2 milk claims should be changed immediately. However, a deadline of 6 months is given to the FBOs to use the pre-printed labels and should then be not allowed to use the same claims.