Just days after imposing a ban on dairy products labeled as A1 and A2 milk, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reversed its decision. The authority has announced that it will first consult with industry representatives, experts, and other stakeholders before making a final determination. Consequently, the ban on A1 and A2 milk products is currently suspended.
Previously, FSSAI had mandated food business operators (FBOs) to use up existing pre-printed packaging that claims ‘100 percent fruit juices’ in their products. The authority also directed food businesses and e-commerce platforms to remove labels indicating ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ types of milk from their packaging.
This decision followed FSSAI’s discovery of numerous misleading labels and advertisements that did not align with the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. The move was initially welcomed by experts and the Indian Dairy Association, who hoped it would address unscientific claims about A2 milk’s superiority over A1.
However, the authority has now withdrawn the order and will revisit the issue after further consultation.