The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a stern warning to e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in the sale and marketing of milk and milk products such as ghee, butter, curd, etc. under the labels “A1” and “A2.” This warning was issued in the form of a clarification dated August 21, 2024.
The FSSAI has determined that such claims are misleading and do not comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its regulations.
The FSSAI has clarified that the distinction between A1 and A2 milk is primarily based on the structure of beta casein protein. As such, any claims related to A2 proteins on milk fat products are considered misleading. Moreover, the standards for milk specified in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, do not recognize any differentiation of milk based on A1 and A2 types.
In light of these findings, the FSSAI has instructed FBOs to immediately remove all A1 and A2 claims from their products and websites. E-commerce platforms are also required to ensure that their sellers adhere to this directive. While FBOs are allowed to exhaust their existing pre-printed labels within six months, no further extensions will be granted.
