FSSAI withdrew its August 22 order banning A1 and A2 milk labeling following strong opposition from ICAR (Indian Agriculture Research Institute) member Venugopal Badarwada, who urged the formation of a high-level committee to review the issue.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently withdrew its order that mandated the removal of A1 and A2 milk labels from packaging. This reversal follows significant opposition from various stakeholders, including a member of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). ICAR is a prominent institution dedicated to advancing agricultural research and education in India.
The FSSAI’s Decision and Its Reversal
On August 22, 2024, FSSAI issued a directive requiring e-commerce platforms and food companies to eliminate A1 and A2 labeling from milk and dairy product packaging. The regulatory body claimed that such labels were misleading and not compliant with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The order was based on FSSAI’s findings that the difference between A1 and A2 milk is related to the structure of beta-casein protein, which they argued does not merit separate categorization.
Following this order, an ICAR governing board member, Venugopal Badarwada, expressed strong opposition and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the decision. In his letter, Badarwada requested the formation of a high-level committee to review the issue and to provide clarity on the marketing and labeling of A1 and A2 milk.
Understanding A1 and A2 Milk
A1 and A2 milk differ in the type of beta-casein protein present. A2 milk typically comes from native Indian breeds such as Gir, Sahiwal, and Tharparkar, and is considered to be richer in protein. On the other hand, A1 milk generally originates from European breeds like Jersey and Ayrshire, which are crossbred varieties.
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Industry Reactions
The FSSAI’s initial directive was welcomed by some dairy companies, such as Parag Milk Foods, whose Chairman, Devendra Shah, supported the move to eliminate what he deemed misleading claims. Shah argued that the A1 and A2 categorization was a marketing gimmick and that global trends were moving away from such distinctions.
ICAR’s Concerns
Badarwada, a long-time advocate for the conservation of native cow breeds, criticized the FSSAI’s hasty regulation. He highlighted the benefits of A2 milk and emphasized its importance for health-conscious individuals and malnourished children. He also reminded the Prime Minister of the significance of indigenous cow breeds, citing the launch of Amul’s A2 milk, which underscores the value of native breeds in India’s dairy sector.
The withdrawal of FSSAI’s August 22 order reflects ongoing debates and concerns regarding milk labeling practices in India. The proposed high-level committee could play a crucial role in addressing these issues and ensuring that regulatory decisions are well-informed and balanced.
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