FSSAI order removal of misleading claims on A1 and A2 milk products
The FSSAI has labeled quality claims regarding A1 and A2 milk as misleading and a violation of food safety regulations. In an order issued on the matter, the FSSAI has instructed e-commerce platforms to remove such claims.
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Food safety regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has said that the quality claims made in the name of A1 and A2 milk products are misleading and violates food safety regulations. It said several food business operators (FBOs) are selling products like ghee, butter, and curd under the labels of A1 and A2 using their FSSAI license and registration numbers. It has been said in an instruction issued by FSSAI on 21 August, 2024, which askes the FBO to remove all these claims immediately.
FSSAI clarified that the distinction between A1 and A2 milk is based solely on the structure of a protein called beta-casein, which can lead to confusion among consumers. The Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011, do not recognize A1 or A2 as a standard for milk. Therefore, making such claims about A2 in milk products is against the rules.
E-commerce platforms have also been instructed to remove any claims related to A1 and A2 proteins from their websites immediately. FSSAI emphasized that these claims do not comply with the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, and its associated regulations.
FBOs have been given a six-month period to phase out existing pre-printed labels that feature these claims. No further extensions will be granted, and strict compliance will be enforced after the deadline.
Comenting on this instruction, Dr. R.S Sodhi, President, Indian Dairy Association saic in a tweet, "Food and dairy companies are not allowed to claim A1 or A2 on milk or products. This is a landmark notification by the FSSAI to protect consumers from unscientific claims by food/dairy companies regarding the superiority of A2 milk, ghee, or products over A1 milk/products."
