Understanding A1 and A2 Milk: FSSAI's Advisory and Its Withdrawal

Introduction

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently made headlines when it issued an advisory on August 21, directing Food Business Operators (FBOs) not to market milk and milk products under the labels "A1" and "A2." However, just five days later, on August 26, FSSAI withdrew this advisory, citing the need for further consultation and engagement with stakeholders. This sequence of events has sparked considerable discussion about the differences between A1 and A2 milk, the rationale behind FSSAI's advisory, and why it was eventually rescinded.

What Are A1 and A2 Milk?

The difference between A1 and A2 milk lies in the type of beta-casein protein they contain. Cow's milk is composed of various proteins, with caseins making up over 80% of the total protein content. Among these, beta-caseins are the second largest component. The A1 and A2 variants of beta-casein differ slightly in their amino acid sequences. A1 beta-casein contains histidine, an amino acid associated with the body's response to inflammation and allergies, while A2 beta-casein contains proline, which is important for collagen production and joint health.

Milk from different cow breeds contains varying amounts of A1 and A2 beta-caseins. A2 milk, which contains only A2 beta-casein, is often marketed as a healthier option and is sold at a premium price. Despite these claims, there is no scientific consensus on whether A2 milk is superior to regular milk. While some studies suggest that A2 milk may be easier to digest and could potentially reduce the risk of certain health conditions, most of this research is based on in vitro and animal studies with limited human trials.

Why Did FSSAI Issue the Advisory?

FSSAI's advisory on August 21 was not based on the lack of scientific evidence regarding the benefits of A2 milk. Instead, it was related to regulatory standards. According to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, there is no official recognition or differentiation of milk based on A1 or A2 beta-casein. As such, FSSAI directed all food business operators, including e-commerce platforms, to remove any claims related to A1 and A2 proteins from their product labels.

Why Was the Advisory Withdrawn?

The withdrawal of the advisory was largely influenced by criticism and feedback from various stakeholders, including government officials. A significant factor was a letter from Venugopal Badaravada, a member of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) governing council, to the Prime Minister. In his letter, Badaravada argued that the decision to ban the marketing of A1 and A2 milk went against global trends in countries like the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil, where the two types of milk are marketed separately due to potential differences in digestion.

Given the growing criticism and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the issue, FSSAI decided to withdraw the advisory for further consultation and engagement with stakeholders.

Conclusion

The brief episode surrounding the FSSAI advisory on A1 and A2 milk highlights the complexities involved in regulating food products and the importance of balancing scientific evidence with regulatory standards and consumer interests. As the debate over A1 and A2 milk continues, it is essential for regulatory bodies, scientists, and industry stakeholders to work together to ensure that consumers receive accurate information and that their health and safety are prioritized.