FSSAI directs food companies to remove claims of A1 and A2 grade milk from their products | Health News
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A1 and A2 milk differ in their beta-casein protein composition, which varies depending on the breed of cow. | Photo: fssai.gov.in
The Food Safety Authority (FSSAI) on Thursday directed food companies, including e-commerce companies, to remove information about milk and milk product grades “A1” and “A2” from their packaging, saying these labels were misleading.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said these claims were contrary to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
In its latest order, the FSSAI said it had investigated the matter and found that the differentiation between A1 and A2 was related to the structure of beta-casein protein in milk.
However, the current FSSAI regulations do not take this differentiation into account.
“FBOs are instructed to remove such claims from their products,” the regulator said, referring to food business operators.
E-commerce platforms were also asked to immediately remove these claims from products and websites.
Companies have been given six months to use up the pre-printed labels. No further extension is possible.
A1 and A2 milk differ in their beta-casein protein composition, which varies depending on the cow breed.
The regulator attached great importance to strict compliance with this directive.
Welcoming the order, Devendra Shah, Chairman, Parag Milk Foods, said the FSSAI order was a step in the right direction.
“A1 and A2 is the category that was developed through marketing gimmicks. … It is important that we eliminate misleading claims that can misinform consumers,” he said in a separate statement.
The dairy product category A1 or A2 never existed and globally too, this trend is declining, he said, adding that the FSSAI clarification supports this broader understanding.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been edited by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First published: 22 August 2024 | 5:10 p.m. IS
