Source: TH

Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has instructed food companies and e-commerce platforms to Remove claims regarding “A1” and “A2” milk of packaging and websites.

Milk category A1 and A2:

Milk contains various forms of Casein proteinwith A1 And A2 Beta-Casein be the most important.

• A1 Beta-casein: Occurs mainly in cattle breeds from Northern Europe, such as Holstein and Friesian cattle.
• A2 Beta-Casein: Found in milk from breeds such as Guernsey and Jersey cows from the Channel Islands and southern France.

Normal milk contains both A1 and A2 proteins, while A2 Milk is clearly visible because it only contains variant A2.

Advantages of dairy product categories A1 and A2

• Digestive health: Proponents of A2 milk claim that it is easier for some people to digest, potentially reducing problems such as gas, bloating and discomfort that are sometimes associated with A1 milk.
• Lactose intolerance: Although this is not directly related to lactose, some people with lactose intolerance report better tolerance of A2 milk due to the different protein composition.
• Advertising claims: A2 milk is often marketed as a healthier option that appeals to consumers looking for alternatives to traditional dairy products.

Concerns regarding dairy product categories A1 and A2

• Lack of scientific consensus: There is little robust scientific evidence that A2 milk offers significant health benefits compared to regular milk, and many of the claims remain controversial.
• Cost: A2 milk is often more expensive than normal milk due to special breeding and production processes.
• Marketing gag: Critics argue that the distinction between A1 and A2 is a marketing strategy rather than a real nutritional difference and misleads consumers without a clear regulatory basis.

The claims about A1 and A2, based on differences in Beta-casein proteinAre not recognized by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006Pursue have six months let expire pre-printed labelsThe FSSAI stressed the importance of eliminating misleading claims and industry leaders supported the move.