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FSSAI Directive on A1 and A2 Labels

Context

The - has directed companies to cease using labels such as A1 and A2 on dairy products. This action is based on the assertion that such labels are "misleading" and do not comply with the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006.

What is A1 and A2?

  • A1 and A2 refer to specific types of beta-casein proteins found in cow's milk. The difference between A1 and A2 milk is related to the structure of a protein called beta-casein. Beta-casein is a major protein in milk, and there are at least 13 different forms.
    • A1 beta-casein: Milk from breeds of cows that originated in northern Europe is generally high in A1 beta-casein. These breeds include Holstein, Friesian, Ayrshire, and British Shorthorn.
    • A2 beta-casein: Milk that is high in A2 beta-casein is mainly found in breeds that originated in the Channel Islands and southern France. These include Guernsey, Jersey, Charolais, and Limousin cows.
  • A2 Milk: Contains only A2 beta-casein, whereas regular milk has both A1 and A2.
  • Health Considerations:
    • Research: Some studies suggest that A2 milk may be healthier and cause fewer digestive issues than milk with A1 beta-casein. For instance, a study indicated that individuals with milk intolerance experienced fewer symptoms with A2 milk.
    • BCM-7 Peptide: A peptide produced during the digestion of A1 beta-casein, BCM-7, is sometimes linked to health issues such as type 1 diabetes and heart disease, though research is limited and ongoing.
    • Scientific Debate: A study published in 2005 found no strong evidence linking A1 beta-casein to health problems like type 1 diabetes or heart disease.

Fact Box:

Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

  • It is an Act to consolidate the laws relating to food and to establish the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for laying down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import, to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
  • The FSS Act was formed as a consolidation of various orders and acts like the Prevention of food adulteration Act 1954, fruit products order 1955, milk and milk products order 1992, etc.

About FSSAI

  • It is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
  • Implementing Agency: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
  • Composition: The FSSAI consists of 1 Chairperson and a total of 22 members. Out of these 22, at least one-third should be women.
  • Functions: FSSAI performs various functions to promote and protect public health.
    • Setting Rules and Guidelines
    • Giving a License
    • Test the Food Standard
    • Conducting Regular Audits
    • Spreading Food Safety Awareness
    • Maintaining the Records and Data
    • Keeping the Government Updated
  • Key-initiatives by FSSAI: Eat Right India, Clean Street Food, Diet4Life, Save Food, Share Food, Share Joy 

PYQ

Q: Consider the following Statements:  (2018)

  1. The Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 replaced the prevention of food Adulteration Act, 1954.
  2. The Food Safety and standards Authority Of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health And Family Welfare.?

 Which Statement given above is/ are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: (a)

X

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