GUWAHATI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Monday, August 26, retracted its recent directive that required food businesses to remove references to 'A1' and 'A2' milk from their product packaging. The withdrawal was made to allow for further consultations with relevant stakeholders.
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This reversal means that food business operators (FBOs) can continue to market their products with claims related to 'A1' and 'A2' milk types. The difference between A1 and A2 milk lies in the composition of beta-casein protein, which varies depending on the breed of cow.
In a new advisory issued on Monday, the FSSAI stated, "The advisory dated August 21, 2024... stands withdrawn for further consultation and engagement with the stakeholders."
Previously, the FSSAI had directed FBOs to remove these claims from their products, arguing that the distinction between A1 and A2 milk types did not align with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The FSSAI had determined that the A1 and A2 differentiation is connected to the structure of the beta-casein protein in milk, but current regulations do not recognise this distinction. The now-withdrawn advisory had also required businesses to use up pre-printed labels within six months, with no extensions to be granted.