The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has retracted its recent order that sought to prohibit food businesses from marketing and selling milk and milk products under the A1 and A2 classification. This decision was made on August 26, 2024, following concerns and feedback from stakeholders.
Initially, the FSSAI’s directive aimed to curb what it considered misleading claims related to the A1 and A2 milk types. These distinctions are based on the type of beta-casein protein present in milk. The FSSAI’s earlier order emphasized that current milk standards, as outlined in the Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2011, did not recognize the differentiation between A1 and A2 types.
However, the directive has been withdrawn to allow for further consultation with industry stakeholders. The FSSAI’s revised stance comes amid concerns from milk producers and industry operators that the initial decision might have been premature and could negatively impact the market for indigenous milk producers.
The updated FSSAI order stated: “Clarification regarding selling or marketing of milk and milk products such as ghee, butter, curd etc. in the name of A1 & A2 types… This is to inform that the advisory dated 21.08.2024 issued with respect to the subject cited, stands withdrawn for further consultation and engagement with the stakeholders.”
The withdrawal of the advisory reflects the regulator’s intention to engage more thoroughly with stakeholders to address their concerns before implementing any new restrictions.