Attention! FSSAI orders food businesses to remove A1, A2 claims from milk, milk products
FSSAI Withdraws Advisory On 'A1' and 'A2' Milk Claims
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed e-commerce platforms and food business operators to cease using A1 and A2 protein claims on milk and dairy products. This ruling, issued on August 21, 2024, clarifies that the differentiation between A1 and A2 proteins does not conform to the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
The FSSAI’s notice comes in response to the observation that many food operators have been marketing milk products, such as ghee, butter, and curd, with claims related to A1 and A2 proteins. These claims, which suggest different health benefits based on the type of beta-casein protein in milk, are deemed misleading.
According to FSSAI, the current regulations, as outlined in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, do not recognize A1 and A2 milk types. Consequently, the use of these claims on products is not supported by the existing standards.
All e-commerce food business operators are instructed to remove any A1 and A2 claims from their websites and product listings immediately. Operators have a six-month period to use up existing pre-printed labels but must comply with the new directive within this timeframe. No further extensions will be granted beyond this period.
This decision aims to ensure transparency and accuracy in food labeling, aligning with the FSSAI’s commitment to uphold food safety and consumer rights.
