The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated the removal of 'A1' and 'A2' milk claims from food products, citing misleading practices.
The regulator's directive, issued on Thursday, targets all food businesses and e-commerce platforms, requiring them to eliminate these labels from their packaging and websites.
FSSAI's order comes after a review concluded that 'A1' and 'A2' classifications, based on the beta-casein protein structure in milk, do not align with current food safety regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The authority's action underscores a crackdown on what it deems misleading marketing tactics.
Companies have been given a six-month window to deplete existing stock of pre-printed labels, with no extensions available. The FSSAI's directive reflects a broader move to enforce accurate and non-deceptive product information.
Parag Milk Foods Chairman Devendra Shah welcomed the move, criticizing the 'A1' and 'A2' designations as marketing ploys rather than scientifically recognized categories. Shah praised the FSSAI's decision as essential in preventing consumer misinformation.
Globally, the trend of distinguishing milk by 'A1' and 'A2' types is diminishing, aligning with FSSAI's stance on maintaining regulatory consistency and protecting consumer interests.
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