The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Monday withdrew its week-old advisory to businesses on removing claims of ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ types of milk and milk products from packaging.
In a fresh notice, the regulator said that the advisory dated August 21, 2024, stands withdrawn for further consultation with stakeholders.
Last week, the FSSAI had directed food business operators, including e-commerce firms, to remove any claims related to ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ types of milk from their products, such as ghee, butter, and curd. It noted that the decision was made because ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ milk and milk products do not align with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
What are A1 and A2 milk and milk products?
The A1 and A2 variants of beta-casein differ at the amino acid level, which impacts how the protein is broken down during digestion. Some studies suggest that A2 milk may be easier to digest and may offer different health benefits compared to A1 milk.
The NIL paper states that India’s breeding policy has ensured that Indian cattle naturally harbour the preferred A2 allele, while European counterparts harbour the A1 allele. These factors have led to greater demand for ‘A2’ milk and milk products, with companies marketing ‘A2’ as the healthier option.
However, scientific studies on the benefits and risks of the two milk types are limited, inconclusive, and sometimes contradictory, requiring more research.
