Listen to Story Grocery shelves often display a row of milk products such as ghee, butter or curd with labels like A1 and A2, listing them as healthy choices for consumers. But India's food regulatory body has declared these labels "misleading" . In fact, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (Fssai) has said that the distinction between A1 and A2 milk is based solely on the structure of a protein called beta-casein, which can confuse consumers.
They added that use of A2 claims on products like ghee, which are sold in volumes with twice the price, doesn't conform with the regulations mentioned in the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. There has always been a debate about A1 and A2, especially since the early 2000s when the A2 gained popularity in the market, and which is healthier. WHAT ARE A1 AND A2 MILK PRODUCTS? A1 and A2 milk products differ in the type of casein (a protein) found in them.
They are found in different proportions in cows, depending on their breed. Casein amounts to around 80% of milk protein. Milk contains various types of casein, with beta-casein being the second most common, and this protein exists in at least 13 different forms.
The distinction between A1 and A2 milk is based solely on the structure of a protein called beta-casein, which can confuse consumers. (Photo: Getty Images) The two primary forms of beta-casein are: A1 beta-casein and A2 beta-casein, simply known as A1 and A2. A1 beta-casein: This is found predominantly in milk fro.