Daily Current Affairs : 24-August-2024

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently issued a directive to food businesses and e-commerce platforms, instructing them to remove claims about “A1” and “A2” milk from packaging and websites. This decision highlights the need for more clarity and regulation in the way milk products are marketed to consumers.

What is A1 and A2 Milk?

Milk is composed of various proteins, with A1 and A2 beta-casein being the most significant types. These proteins are different in their amino acid structure, which can affect how the milk impacts the body.

  • A1 Beta-casein: This protein is commonly found in milk from cow breeds like Holstein and Friesian, which are typical in northern Europe.
  • A2 Beta-casein: This protein is predominantly found in milk from breeds like Guernsey and Jersey cows, which are more common in regions like the Channel Islands and southern France.

Regular milk usually contains a mixture of both A1 and A2 proteins, while A2 milk contains only the A2 variant.

Claims and Benefits of A1 and A2 Milk

Proponents of A2 milk argue that it is easier to digest, especially for people who experience discomfort after consuming regular milk.

  • Digestive Health: Some people claim that A2 milk is gentler on the stomach, reducing issues such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, which are sometimes linked to the A1 protein.
  • Lactose Intolerance: Although A2 milk is not lactose-free, some individuals with lactose intolerance report fewer issues with A2 milk compared to regular milk, possibly due to differences in protein structure.
  • Marketing Advantage: Many companies promote A2 milk as a healthier alternative, appealing to consumers looking for natural or easier-to-digest dairy options.

Why the FSSAI’s Intervention?

The FSSAI’s decision to remove such claims stems from concerns over misleading marketing practices. Currently, there is insufficient scientific evidence to conclusively support all the health benefits attributed to A2 milk. By regulating these claims, the FSSAI aims to protect consumers from potentially exaggerated or false health promises.

Important Points:

  • FSSAI Directive: FSSAI has instructed food businesses and e-commerce platforms to remove claims about “A1” and “A2” milk from packaging and websites to prevent misleading marketing.
  • A1 and A2 Proteins:
    • A1 beta-casein: Found in milk from breeds like Holstein and Friesian (common in northern Europe).
    • A2 beta-casein: Found in milk from breeds like Guernsey and Jersey (common in the Channel Islands and southern France).
    • Regular milk typically contains both A1 and A2 proteins, while A2 milk contains only A2 protein.
  • Potential Benefits of A2 Milk:
    • Digestive Health: A2 milk may be easier to digest, potentially reducing bloating, gas, and discomfort often linked to A1 protein.
    • Lactose Intolerance: Some people with lactose intolerance report fewer issues with A2 milk, despite it not being lactose-free.
    • Marketing: A2 milk is marketed as a healthier alternative to regular milk, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
  • FSSAI’s Concern: The FSSAI’s intervention is based on concerns about insufficient scientific evidence supporting health claims about A2 milk, aiming to protect consumers from misleading information.
  • Conclusion: While A2 milk may offer benefits to some individuals, more scientific research is needed to validate these claims. The FSSAI’s directive ensures clearer, more accurate marketing of milk products.

Why In News

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed food businesses and e-commerce platforms to remove claims of ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ milk from packaging and websites, citing concerns over misleading marketing practices and the need for clearer regulations in the dairy industry.

MCQs about FSSAI Cracks Down on A1 and A2 Milk Claims

  1. What is the main reason behind FSSAI’s directive to remove claims of ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ milk from packaging and websites?
    A. To promote the sale of A2 milk
    B. To prevent misleading marketing and ensure clarity
    C. To ban the sale of A1 milk
    D. To increase consumer awareness about milk proteins
    Correct Answer: B. To prevent misleading marketing and ensure clarity
    Explanation: The FSSAI issued the directive due to concerns over misleading marketing practices and the need for more regulation in the way milk products, especially A1 and A2 milk, are marketed to consumers.
  2. Which of the following cow breeds typically produce A1 milk?
    A. Guernsey and Jersey
    B. Holstein and Friesian
    C. Ayrshire and Dexter
    D. Sahiwal and Gir
    Correct Answer: B. Holstein and Friesian
    Explanation: A1 milk is typically produced by cow breeds like Holstein and Friesian, which are common in northern Europe. A2 milk is produced by different breeds like Guernsey and Jersey.
  3. What is one of the claimed benefits of A2 milk according to its proponents?
    A. It is lactose-free
    B. It helps in weight loss
    C. It is easier to digest and reduces discomfort
    D. It contains more vitamins
    Correct Answer: C. It is easier to digest and reduces discomfort
    Explanation: Supporters of A2 milk claim that it is easier to digest, potentially reducing issues such as bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort, which are sometimes associated with A1 milk.
  4. What concern does the FSSAI have regarding the claims made about A2 milk?
    A. There is enough scientific evidence to support all claims
    B. The health benefits of A2 milk are not sufficiently supported by scientific research
    C. A2 milk is harmful to health
    D. A2 milk is more expensive than regular milk
    Correct Answer: B. The health benefits of A2 milk are not sufficiently supported by scientific research
    Explanation: The FSSAI’s intervention stems from concerns that there is not enough scientific evidence to fully support the health benefits attributed to A2 milk, leading to the regulation of these claims.

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