The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed food businesses, including e-commerce platforms, to remove “misleading” claims of ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ milk and milk products from the packaging of dairy products like milk, ghee, butter, and curd. The food safety regulator said these claims do not conform with the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006.
This move is intended to prevent misleading marketing that claims A2 milk is healthier.
What Did The Order Say?
In its latest order issued on Thursday, FSSAI said it had examined the issue and found that A1 and A2 differentiation is linked to the structure of beta-casein protein in milk. However, current FSSAI regulations do not recognize this differentiation.
"The FBOs are instructed to remove such claims from their products," the regulator said, referring to food business operators.
It further said that E-commerce platforms have been instructed to remove claims related to Al & A2 proteins from products and websites immediately.
"Further, the concerned FBOs shall ensure strict compliance of the same with effect from the date of issuance of this direction. Although the FBOs are permitted to exhaust the available pre-printed labels within 6 months from the date of issuance of this direction. No further extension and timeline will be granted to any," the regulator added.
A1 and A2 milk differ in their beta-casein protein composition, which varies based on cow breed. The regulator emphasized strict compliance with this directive.
Market Reaction
Welcoming the order, Parag Milk Foods Chairman Devendra Shah told news agency PTI that the FSSAI order is a step in the right direction. "A1 and A2 is the category developed by marketing gimmick. ...It's essential that we eliminate misleading claims that can misinform consumers, he said in a separate statement. A1 or A2 milk product category never existed and globally also this trend is fading away," he said, adding that the food regulator's clarification supports this broader understanding.