“This is to inform you that the advisory dated August 21 (clarification regarding selling/ marketing of milk and milk products such as ghee, milk etc in the name of A1 and A2) stands withdrawn for further consultation and engagement with stakeholders,” the FSSAI statement said.

Why was the advisory withdrawn?

But first, what is A1 and A2 milk?

A1 and A2 milk differ in their beta-casein protein composition, which varies based on the cow breed. 

A1 milk contains A1 beta-casein, which is generally found in the milk from cows originating from northern Europe, such as Holstein, Friesian, Ayrshire, and British Shorthorn. A1 milk is the most commonly used milk and has a higher fat content and calorie count compared to A2 milk.

A2 milk contains A2 beta-casein, which is found in milk from cows that originated in the Channel Islands and southern France, such as Guernsey, Jersey, Charolais, and Limousin. A2 milk has less fat content than A1 milk and contains more protein.

Some studies suggest that A2 milk may be healthier than A1 milk. A2 milk may not cause the same digestive problems and discomfort as A1 milk. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may help lower cholesterol levels, and potassium, which may help with blood pressure.

What was the basis for FSSAI’s advisory?

FSSAI’s advisory had nothing to do with the paucity of scientific evidence about the A1 and A2 classification. It had to do with current FSSAI standards not recognising the A1 and A2 differentiation.

All food business operators, including e-commerce sites, were thus directed to remove all claims related to A1 and A2 proteins from their product labels.

Its withdrawal came in the context of growing criticism of FSSAI’s decision, even in government circles. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) governing council member Venugopal Badaravada requested that the advisory be withdrawn and a high-level committee instead be constituted to further discussion on the matter.

Why all the fuss over A2 milk?

It all started with research in 1993 by two scientists from New Zealand, Professor Bob Elliott and Dr Corran McLachlan.

They discovered that the A1 protein in milk could cause digestive disorders and even more severe health problems like Type 1 diabetes and heart disease. They also did comparative research and found that milk containing the A2 type protein did not have these harmful side effects and could be better for your health, even if you’re lactose intolerant.

Is this debate relevant in India?

According to Amul MD R.S. Sodhi, “A2 milk marketing gimmick came from New Zealand as the market was saturated there so they brought this term to bring exclusivity to their product. Be assured that in India what you are drinking is A2 milk as all buffalo and Indigenous cow milk is 100% A2 milk,” 

AND HE IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT

Also, there’s no solid scientific evidence that A2 milk is better for your health than A1.

Sure, a 2012 study titled Milk Proteins and Human Health: The A1/A2 Milk Hypothesis hinted that A1 beta-casein could be linked to health issues like type-1 diabetes, heart disease and even autism. And it also claimed that people who consumed mostly A2 milk seemed less prone to these conditions. But here’s the catch. Global research has since found that most of this research has been based on animal studies and poorly designed clinical trials. In other words, there’s no conclusive proof that A2 milk is better for us.

And this is what probably concerns the FSSAI.