Marketers use labels like - A1 and A2 - not fully understood by ordinary consumers - on both social media and on the product package.
Published Aug 23, 2024 | 9:54 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 23, 2024 | 9:54 AM
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Thursday, 22 August, directed food businesses, including e-commerce platforms, to remove “misleading” claims of ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ milk and milk products from packaging.
FSSAI said the claims about milk do not comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Marketers use labels that ordinary consumers cannot understand. Milk and milk products are marketed as either ‘A1’ or ‘A2’ types. It is claimed that A2 milk is better for digestive health, particularly for individuals not comfortable with traditional milk.
FSSAI explained in its order that differentiation between A1 and A2 milk is related to the structure of the beta-casein protein in milk. Current FSSAI regulations do not recognise this distinction.
A1 and A2 refer to two genetic variants of the beta-casein protein found in cow’s milk. The distinction lies primarily in their amino acid structure, which affects how they are digested and their potential health implications.
According to the medical news website Medical News Today, A1 protein is digested in the small intestine to produce a peptide called beta casomorphin-7 (BCM-7). The intestines absorb BCM-7, which then passes to the blood.
Doctors have linked this to the symptoms shown by those who are lactose intolerant; digestive discomfort could be associated with health issues like type 1 diabetes and heart disease.
A1 beta-casein is prevalent in milk from certain cow breeds, particularly those originating from Northern Europe, such as Holsteins, Ayrshires, and British Shorthorns. It is predominantly found in milk from breeds like Guernsey, Jersey, and Charolais, which are primarily from the Channel Islands and Southern France. A2 protein is more comparable to breast milk, and the milk of goats, sheep and buffalo.
Proponents of A2 milk argue that it is easier to digest and may be a better option for individuals who experience discomfort with regular milk. This is attributed to the absence of BCM-7 in A2 milk, making it potentially gentler on the digestive system.
In 2000, a scientist in New Zealand founded a firm called The A2 Milk Company, supplying milk from cows that only produce A2 protein. Since then, such packaging has become popular around the world.
A1 milk contains both A1 and A2 proteins, while A2 contains only A2 beta-casein. The health benefits of A2 milk over A1 are still debated, with some studies indicating that A2 milk may lead to fewer digestive issues.
A2 milk is believed to be easier to digest than A1 milk. The structural difference in the beta-casein protein allows A2 milk to break down more easily in the digestive system, potentially leading to fewer gastrointestinal issues such as bloating and gas.
Many people with lactose intolerance report that A2 milk causes less discomfort compared to A1 milk. However, comprehensive scientific consensus is lacking, and more research is needed to firmly establish these claims
While instructing food business operators (FBOs) to remove claims of A1 or A2 from their products, FSSAI instructed E-commerce platforms too to remove these from their websites. Companies have been given six months to exhaust pre-printed labels, with no further extensions to be granted.
Parag Milk Foods chairman Devendra Shah said the FSSAI order is a step in the right direction. “A1 and A2 is a marketing gimmick… it is essential that we eliminate misleading claims that can misinform consumers,” he said, adding that the trend is fading globally since these product categories cannot be precisely demarcated in reality.
(Edited by Rosamma Thomas)
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