What is A1 and A2 milk labelling for dairy products? FSSAI issues clarification

As per a recent tweet posted by the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) on X, they have issued a clarification on the marketing of milk and its products like ghee, butter, and more under the categories of A1 and A2. The clarification focuses on the necessity of obtaining an FSSAI License Number or Registration Certificate Number for selling or marketing these products. This move aims to ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations, safeguarding consumer health.

As per FSSAI, these claims do not conform with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. In its latest order, 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. Take a look at the tweet.



The order further reads, it may be noted that the 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 made thereunder.

Further, Standards of milk as specified in Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives), Regulations, 2011, do not mention/recognize any differentiation of milk on the basis of A1 and A2 types.

The last paragraph of the order reads, therefore, the FBOSs 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 and their website immediately. Further, the concerned FBOs shall ensure strict compliance of the same with effects 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 these directions. No further extension and timeline will be granted to any FBO.

As per online reports, in 2020, FSSAI had mentioned about popular labelling captions like A2, organic, etc. In 2020, it was mentioned that marketers are publicising the benefits of A1 over A2 on social media as well as on product’s label without any scientific evidence. Such acts by the marketers are actually a case of mislabeling and food frauds and should be avoided.

Also Read: Why food safety body has warned against the sale of human milk

Also, in an advisory dated May 24, FSSAI has advised all activities related to human milk sales to be stopped.

The advisory read, "FSSAI has not permitted the processing and/or selling of human milk under FSS Act, 2006 and rules/regulations made there under. Therefore, it is advised that all such activities related to the commercialization of human milk and its products should be immediately stopped."

Any violation of the rules will lead to action against the food business operators (FBOs), the FSSAI said in its advisory.

What do you think of these advisories issued by FSSAI? Share your feedback in the comments section.

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