Mumbai3 days ago
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered e-commerce companies and food businesses to remove A1 and A2 labelling from the packaging of milk and milk products.
The food regulator has called such claims misleading. FSSAI said in its order that these claims are not in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. Therefore, the regulator does not recognize this category and distinction.
The structure of the protein present in milk is linked to A1 and A2
The meaning of A1 and A2 type labels on milk and its products is related to the chemical structure of the ‘beta-casein protein’ present in milk. It varies according to the breed and origin of the animal producing the milk.
Beta casein is the second most abundant protein. It has a better nutritional balance of amino acids. The regulator has asked to remove this labeling within 6 months.
The milk produced by cross breed cows is of A1 type
Usually A2 milk comes from Indian (desi) breed of cows. These are rich in proteins. These include categories like Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Gir, Deoni and Tharparkar.
Whereas, A1 milk comes from European cattle breed. These cows are produced through cross breeding. These include categories like Jersey, Ayrshire, and British Short Horn.
FSSAI is also strict on the quality and safety standards of spices
12% of the spices being sold in the country do not meet the quality and safety standards. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) tested a total of 4054 samples of spices being sold in the country. Out of these, 474 spices were not edible according to FSSAI.
FSSAI tested the spices between May and July. In April-May 2024, FSSAI decided to investigate these after the government raised questions on the quality of spices in Singapore and Hong Kong and reports of ban.
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