FSSAI has ordered the removal of A1 and A2 labels from milk and milk products. (Photo: iStock)

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all food processing companies to remove A1 and A2 claims from the packaging of milk and milk products, ANI reported. The direction also applies to e-commerce food processing companies (FBOs), who are directed to immediately remove all such claims from their websites. In its latest publication, the FSSAI noted that several food processing companies are selling or marketing milk and milk products like ghee, butter, curd, etc. under A1 and A2 names under the FSSAI license number and registration certificate number.

For those uninformed, A1 and A2 are two types of protein found in milk. Milk is a good source of protein and there are two main proteins found in milk – casein and whey. Casein is the largest protein group found in milk. There are several types of casein found in milk. Beta-casein is the second most common type of casein and comes in at least 13 different forms. The two most common forms are A1 beta-casein and A2 beta-casein.

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The FSSAI stressed that the milk standards laid down in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Rules, 2011 do not mention or recognise any distinction between A1 and A2 milk grades, ANI reported.

The Food Safety Authority added that the use of any A2 claim on milk fat products was misleading and not in accordance with the provisions of the FSS Act 2006 and the regulations made thereunder.

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“FBOs are directed to remove such claims from their products. E-commerce FBOs are directed to immediately remove all claims related to A1 and A2 proteins from their websites,” the August 21 press release said.

“Furthermore, the concerned FBOs shall ensure strict compliance with this instruction from the date of issuance of this instruction,” the release added. The FBOs are permitted to use up the available pre-printed labels within six months from the date of issuance of this instruction. No further extension or time extension will be granted to any FBO, the release added.