The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has withdrawn its advisory issued on August 21. Now milk and milk products will continue to be sold with A1 and A2 labels. This labeling differentiates milk based on the protein content of different breeds of cows. Earlier on August 21, the food regulator had called for a ban on the use of A1 and A2 labeling on milk packaging, calling it misleading.
Food regulator FSSAI says that after discussions with all e-commerce food business operators, it has issued a new advisory and withdrawn the advisory directing them to remove labeling from milk. Now business operators and dairy companies can continue selling their milk or milk products with A1 and A2 labeling. A1 and A2 milk is linked to its beta-casein protein structure. Which varies depending on the breed and origin of cows.
A1 milk is obtained from cows of western origin
According to a study by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), milk obtained from Indian cows and buffaloes like Gir and Sahiwal is A2. Whereas the milk obtained from cows of western origin is A1. Which is the most consumed milk. A2 milk is generally considered better than A1 milk. However, research is still going on regarding this. At the same time, last week the food regulator had called A1 and A2 labeling on milk packaging misleading and asked to ban its use.
The difference in milk is related to the structure of beta-casein protein
According to a PTI report, FSSAI found in its investigation that the difference between A1 and A2 milk is related to the structure of beta-casein protein. Let us tell you that FSSAI had issued an advisory on August 21, instructing FBOs to finish the old stock of A1 and A2 milk and milk products within six months and not to label A1, A2 on new products.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)