The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed companies to stop using A1 and A2 protein labels on their dairy products, terming them as \u201cmisleading\u201d. It has also asked e-commerce operators to immediately remove such claims from their websites. <\/p>\n
In an advisory, the food safety authority said that it has observed several food business operators are selling or marketing milk and milk products such as ghee, butter and curd among others in the name of A1 and A1 under their FSSAI license or registration certificate number. \u201cThe matter has been examined by FSSAI and it is opined that A1 and A2 differentiation of milk is essentially linked to difference in structure of protein (beta casein). Hence use of any A2 claims on milk fat products is misleading and not in conformance with the provisions laid down under FSS Act 2006 and Regulations,\u201d FSSAI stated.<\/p>\n
\n\u2018Strict compliance\u2019
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It emphasised that the standards for milk do not mention or recognise any differentiation of milk \u201con the basis of A1 and A2 types.\u201c \u201cThe FBOs are instructed to remove such claims from their products. E-commerce FBOs are instructed to remove all the claims related to A1 and A2 proteins from their websites immediately,\u201d the FSSAI said. It has asked these companies to ensure \u201cstrict compliance\u201d of this direction.<\/p>\n
However, the FSSAI said food business operators are permitted to use the available pre-printed labels and exhaust them within the next six months.<\/p>\n
Some industry players have said this direction will ensure misleading claims get eliminated. Devendra Shah, Chairman, Parag Milk Foods said, \u201cThe categorisation of A1 and A2 milk has been largely driven by marketing tactics rather than scientific evidence, and the global trend is moving away from this distinction. The conversation around A1 and A2 milk may have captured attention, but it\u2019s vital to understand that the real value of milk lies in its complete nutritional profile. The FSSAI\u2019s recent clarification is a positive step towards ensuring that consumers receive accurate information and promoting greater transparency in the dairy sector.\u201d<\/p>\n