A1 and A2 milk

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Context:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed food businesses and e-commerce platforms to remove claims of 'A1' and 'A2' types of milk and milk products from their packaging.

What are A1 and A2 types of milk?

• According to FSSAI, the distinction between A1 and A2 milk is based on the structure of beta-casein protein in milk, which varies depending on the breed of the cow.
  • • More than 80 per cent of all proteins in cow’s milk belong to a class called caseins.
• Among these, beta-caseins are the second largest component.
• A1 and A2 are basically two genetic variants of beta-caseins, differing from each other in their amino acid sequence.
• A1 contains histidine, one of the nine essential amino acids which the body uses to produce histamine, the chemical that enables the body to regulate its reaction to inflammation and allergies.
• A2 contains proline, a non-essential amino acid which is an essential component of collagen and important for proper functioning of joints and tendons.
  • • Milk from different cow breeds have differing quantities of A1 and A2 beta-caseins.
• Most milk contains both these beta-caseins, but A2 milk contains only the second one.
• Generally, milk and milk products which are branded as A2 tend to be charged at a premium, and considered healthier.

Why is FSSAI against milk classification?

• The regulator pointed out that current FSSAI regulations do not recognize this distinction.
• As a result, food business operators (FBOs) have been instructed to remove such claims from their products.

Benefits of  A1 and A2 Milk:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/explained-fssai-advisory-a1-a2-milk-9537796/