FSSAI directs removal of A1 & A2 milk claims from marketing and labels

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has issued a clarification regarding the marketing and selling of milk and milk products such as ghee, butter, and curd under the names "A1" and "A2" by Food Business Operators (FBOs).

FSSAI has observed that several FBOs have been marketing their milk products using claims associated with A1 and A2 types of milk, under their FSSAI License Numbers or Registration Certificate Numbers. After thorough examination, FSSAI has determined that the differentiation between A1 and A2 milk is primarily based on the structure of a specific protein, beta-casein. The use of A2-related claims on milk products is considered misleading and is not in line with the provisions set forth in the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act of 2006 and its associated regulations.

The FSSAI emphasizes that the existing Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, do not recognize or mention any differentiation of milk based on A1 and A2 types.

As a result, FBOs are instructed to remove any claims related to A1 and A2 proteins from their products. E-commerce FBOs are also required to immediately remove all such claims from their websites. Furthermore, FBOs must comply strictly with this directive from the date of issuance. FBOs are permitted to use up their existing pre-printed labels within six months of this notice. However, no further extensions or timelines will be granted.

This directive has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority at FSSAI.