The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a significant advisory affecting the sale and marketing of milk and milk products, specifically targeting the claims related to A1 and A2 milk types. This move aims to address growing concerns about misleading claims in the dairy industry.
Key Points of the Advisory
Background on A1 and A2 Milk Claims
FSSAI has observed that numerous Food Business Operators (FBOs) have been marketing milk and related products (such as ghee, butter, and curd) with claims of being A1 or A2 milk. The distinction between A1 and A2 milk refers to differences in the beta-casein protein structure. A1 milk contains a type of beta-casein protein that some studies suggest may be linked to adverse health effects, while A2 milk contains a different variant.
Regulatory Stance
According to FSSAI, the differentiation of milk based on A1 and A2 proteins is not recognized within the existing Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. The current standards do not support or acknowledge this differentiation, meaning that such claims could be misleading and do not comply with the FSS Act, 2006.
Directive for Immediate Action
FSSAI mandates that all claims related to A1 and A2 proteins must be removed from product labels and marketing materials. E-Commerce platforms that sell these products are also required to eliminate these claims from their websites immediately. However, to allow for a smooth transition, FBOs are permitted to use up existing pre-printed labels within six months from the date of this advisory.
Compliance Timeline
The directive is effective immediately, with the six-month grace period provided solely for existing pre-printed labels. No additional extensions will be granted beyond this period. FBOs must ensure full compliance within the specified timeframe.
Administrative Instructions
The advisory has been disseminated to all relevant stakeholders, including Commissioners of Food Safety in various states, regional offices of FSSAI, and the FSSAI Chief Technical Officer for website updates.
Impact and Implications
This advisory underscores FSSAI’s commitment to ensuring that food labeling and marketing claims are accurate and align with established regulations. For consumers, this means that the claims about the health benefits of A1 versus A2 milk will no longer influence their purchasing decisions through misleading labels.
For the dairy industry and e-commerce platforms, this directive necessitates a review and update of labeling practices and marketing strategies. The goal is to prevent the dissemination of unsubstantiated claims and to uphold consumer trust in food safety and regulatory standards.
FSSAI’s decisive action reflects a broader trend towards enforcing regulatory compliance and protecting consumer rights in the food sector. As the industry adjusts to these changes, adherence to the new guidelines will be crucial for maintaining market integrity and ensuring consumer confidence.
This advisory serves as a reminder of FSSAI’s role in regulating food safety and ensuring that all food business operations adhere to legal standards and provide accurate information to consumers.
Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)