FSSAI Issues Clarification On A1 and A2 Milk Claims

In a decisive move to clear up confusion in the dairy market, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued new directives concerning the labeling of A1 and A2 milk products. The ruling aims to address the legality and accuracy of claims associated with these milk types, which have been the subject of much debate.

Points of difference between A1 and A2 milk 

The FSSAI has clarified that the distinction between A1 and A2 milk relates to variations in beta-casein protein, a detail not officially recognized in the current milk standards. According to the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and its regulations, milk products cannot claim to be A1 or A2 unless such claims are explicitly supported by law. The authority's decision highlights that labeling products as A2 is misleading and falls outside the established guidelines.

The recent notice mandates that all food business operators (FBOs) must remove any A1 and A2 claims from their products. This includes dairy items like ghee and milk, as well as related e-commerce platforms where these products are sold. The FSSAI's directive requires immediate action, with a six-month period allowed for the exhaustion of pre-printed labels. However, no additional extensions will be granted beyond this timeframe.

Avoid consumer misinformation

FSSAI’s official statement stresses that adherence to these regulations is mandatory, aiming to prevent consumer misinformation and maintain market integrity. This update is expected to impact a broad spectrum of dairy products and will be closely monitored to ensure compliance.