In a notable initiative to boost transparency and precision in dairy product labeling, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated that all food business operators (FBOs), including e-commerce platforms, must eliminate references to ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ types of milk and dairy products from their packaging. This directive, issued on August 22, 2024, addresses concerns over misleading labeling practices prevalent in the dairy industry.

Background and Rationale

A1 and A2 milk are classified based on the structure of the protein beta-casein; there is a structural difference in this protein between breeds of cow. A1 beta-casein is predominantly from breeds of cows from northern Europe, predominantly the Holstein and Friesian, constituting over 90% of the milk proteins, while the Guernsey and Jersey are A2 beta-casein breeds. Claims have been made that A2 milk is healthier and easier on the gut compared with A1 milk. The FSSAI, however, notes that under extant regulations and the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, such claims stand to be unsubstantiated

The Directive

The order of FSSAI mandates that all FBOs licensed or registered under FSSAI Central License or FSSAI Registration Online should withdraw the claims of A1 and A2 milk from the packaging of the products, including milk, ghee, butter, curd, and others from dairy products. The regulator elaborated that such claims were misleading and contravened what was laid down under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

FBOs will have six months to dispose of their stock of pre-printed labels. No extension will be issued thereafter, and it is apparent that all players are supposed to strictly comply with this requirement and beyond.

Industry response

The directive has won appreciation from several section of industry players who feel it will bring in more transparency and accuracy in labeling of dairy products. Devendra Shah, Chairman of Parag Milk Foods, welcomed the move, saying, "It is important to get rid of spurious claims. The A1 and A2 milk differentiation was more of a marketing play rather than scientific. The real worth of milk is its overall nutritional value ".

Shah added that it was also important to highlight the overall health benefits of milk, right from its protein, calcium, and vitamin content. He termed the announcement by FSSAI as welcome and taking a step towards the 'right' direction in ensuring consumer protection by offering the right information and enhancing transparency in the dairy sector.

Impact on the consumers

The directive now ensures that no claims will be entertained relating to milk and milk product labeling under A1 and A2. The intention is to ensure that the customers do not fall into confusion, and therefore, there have been no baseless marketing claims that have been made to mislead them. This move underpins the fact that informative content for food products must be true and reliable.

With the move to withdraw A1 and A2 claims from milk and its products, the FSSAI is firming its commitment to bring more transparency and accuracy in the labeling of food products. The regulator has an interest in ensuring the information available to consumers about the products they consume is a truthful fact, rather than a claim. This really will help in trusting the dairy industry, thus helping consumers to be informed.