Why has FSSAI ordered removal of claims A1 and A2 on milk cartons and products?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Thursday, August 22, directed food companies, including e-commerce platforms, to remove “misleading” claims about ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ milk and milk products from their packaging.

According to FSSAI, the claims made about milk do not comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Marketers use labels that ordinary consumers cannot understand. Milk and milk products are marketed as ‘A1’ or ‘A2’. It is claimed that A2 milk is better for digestion, especially for people who do not like traditional milk.

FSSAI explained in its order that the distinction between A1 and A2 milk is related to the structure of beta-casein protein in milk. The current FSSAI regulations do not recognize this distinction.

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Beta-casein protein

A1 and A2 refer to two genetic variants of the beta-casein protein found in cow’s milk. The distinction lies primarily in their amino acid structure, which affects how they are digested and their potential health implications.

According to the medical news website Medical News Today, A1 protein is digested in the small intestine to produce a peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7). The intestines absorb BCM-7, which then travels into the blood.

Doctors have linked this to the symptoms people with lactose intolerance exhibit; digestive problems can be linked to health conditions such as type 1 diabetes and heart disease.

A1 beta-casein is abundant in the milk of certain breeds of cows, particularly those native to Northern Europe, such as Holsteins, Ayrshires and British Shorthorns. It is mainly found in the milk of breeds such as Guernsey, Jersey and Charolais, which are native to the Channel Islands and Southern France. A2 protein is more similar to human milk and the milk of goats, sheep and buffalo.

Proponents of A2 milk claim that it is easier to digest and may be a better option for people who experience discomfort with regular milk. This is attributed to the absence of BCM-7 in A2 milk, which may make it gentler on the digestive system.

In 2000, a scientist in New Zealand founded a company called The A2 Milk Company, which supplies milk from cows that produce only A2 protein. Since then, such packaging has become popular all over the world.

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Protein composition

A1 milk contains both A1 and A2 proteins, while A2 only contains A2 beta-casein. The health benefits of A2 milk over A1 are still debated, with some studies suggesting that A2 milk may lead to fewer digestive problems.

A2 milk is said to be easier to digest than A1 milk. The structural difference in the beta-casein protein makes A2 milk easier to break down in the digestive system, potentially leading to fewer gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and gas.

Many people with lactose intolerance report that A2 milk causes less discomfort compared to A1 milk. However, there is no extensive scientific consensus and more research is needed to substantiate these claims.

Use up pre-printed labels in 6 months

While FSSAI directed Food Business Operators (FBOs) to remove A1 or A2 claims from their products, FSSAI also directed e-commerce platforms to remove them from their websites. Companies have been given six months to prepare pre-printed labels, with no further extensions being granted.

Devendra Shah, chairman of Parag Milk Foods, said the FSSAI order is a step in the right direction. “A1 and A2 are a marketing gimmick… it is essential that we eliminate misleading claims that can misinform consumers,” he said, adding that the trend is declining globally as in reality these product categories cannot be precisely demarcated.

(Edited by Rosamma Thomas)

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