FSSAI ORDERS REMOVAL OF A1 AND A2 CLAIMS FROM MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCT PACKAGING

Why in the news?

  • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued directive to FBOs and the e-commerce platforms to replace or remove all labeling indications such as A1 and A2 types of milk and dairy products.
  • Background: This decision was made after FSSAI embraced a realization that many FBOs were categorizing products such as ghee, butter, and curd under the A1 and A2 grades, fraudulently coming up with FSSAI license numbers to support the classifications.
source: naturstrunk

About the Issue :

Protein Differentiation and Misleading Claims

Protein Variations:

  • The differentiation between A1 and A2 milk is based on variations in the protein structure.
  •  A1 and A2 are types of beta-casein that are found in milk, with A2 beta-casein are believed to be the original form in cows.

Directive Issued:

  • FSSAI has clarified that such claims on A2 protein in milk fat products are misleading and do not conform to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
  • These regulations do not recognize/ aclnowledge any kind of milk based on A1 and A2 types..
  • The regulator has also mandated e-commerce and FBOs to remove any information available on their online platforms on A1 and A2 proteins for compliance to food safety standards.

Implications for the Dairy Industry

  • This directive from FSSAI is going to affect the marketing and packaging strategies of the dairy
  • products manufacturing firms in India to a very large extent.
  • To comply with the new guidelines, FBOs will have no option than to modify the labeling and marketing procedures which are in place.
Difference Between A1 and A2 Milk

Types of Milk

  • A1 Milk: Originated from A1 type cows; mainly imported or crossbreed cows. A1 milk is the type that is more popular in consumption world over.
  • A2 Milk: Sourced from traditional breeds of cows from either Indian or East African origin in most cases. Consumption level of A2 milk is this far relatively low in comparison to A1 milk.

Protein Content

  • Casein Protein: A1 and A2 contains casein protein which is the major protein in milk and accounting for 80% of milk proteins .
  • Amino Acid Difference: While A2 is sourced from native breeds, one biological perspective the existence of specific amino acid known as proline distinguishes A2 milk from that of A1.

About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

  • Autonomous Body: An independent agency under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, established by the Government of India.
  • Legal Foundation: Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it serves as the primary regulatory body for food safety in India.

Mission

  • Global Standards: Establish and enforce internationally benchmarked food standards.
  • Compliance & Practices: Encourage food businesses to comply with these standards, adopt good manufacturing and hygiene practices.
  • Public Health: Ensure citizens have access to safe and healthy food.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/current-affairs/page/85/