After directing food business operators (FBOs) to remove claims of ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ types of milk and milk products from packaging, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has withdrawn its advisory that directed food business operators (FBOs) to remove claims of ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ types of milk and milk products from packaging.
In an order, FSSAI says, “This is to inform that the advisory dated 21 August 2024 issued with respect to clarification, regarding selling and marketing of milk and milk products such as ghee, milk in the name of A1 and A2, stands withdrawn for further consultation and engagement with the stakeholders.”
In its 21st August clarification, FSSAI had asked FBOs to remove these claims from their products. “…it may be noted that the matter has been examined by FSSAI and it is opined that A1 and A2 differentiation of milk is essentially linked to the difference in structure of the protein (beta-casein). Hence, use of any A2 claims on milk fat products is misleading and not in conformance with the provisions led down under FSS Act and Regulations made thereunder.”
“Further, standards of milk as specified in Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, do not mention or recognise any differentiation of milk on the basis of A1 and A2,” it added.
The FSSAI has also asked eCommerce FBOs to remove all such claims related to A1 and A2 proteins from their websites.
Reacting positively to the first order, RS Sodhi, former managing director (MD) of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF -Amul) and president of the Indian Dairy Association, had said in post on X, “Food and dairy companies are not allowed to claim A1 or A2 on milk or products. This is a landmark notification by the @fssaiindia to protect consumers from unscientific claims by food/ dairy companies regarding the superiority of A2 milk, ghee, or products over A1 milk and products.”
After the FSSAI’s U-turn, Sodhi said, “So confusion continues for the consumers for some more time.”
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Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
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