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A1 and A2 milk

The most common proteins in cow’s milk are beta-casein A1 and beta-casein A2. Milk high in beta-casein A1 is being referred to as ‘A1 milk’ while milk high in beta-casein A2 is being called ‘A2 milk’. Cow’s milk contains six major proteins: four casein proteins make up 80 percent of the milk proteins, the other two are whey proteins.

Milk is important in the diet, and there is insufficient evidence to suggest any link between milk protein consumption and heart disease and insulin-dependent diabetes. NZFSA will continue to monitor developments and research in the area and seek expert advice if and when such research becomes available.

International Review

• Terms of Reference for EFSA Review [pdf, 692KB]

• Status of EFSA’s work on A1/A2 milk – Presentation by European Food Safety Authority to New Zealand Minister for Food Safety, Hon Lianne Dalziel. 3 March 2008 [pdf, 172KB]

• Overview of EFSA – Presentation by European Food Safety Authority to New Zealand Minister for Food Safety, Hon Lianne Dalziel. 3 March 2008 [pdf, 202KB]

• A1/A2 Milk: Science Review – Cabinet Paper [pdf, 572KB]

• A1/A2 Milk: Science Review – NZFSA and EFSA correspondence [pdf, 122KB]

Reports

• Beta casein A1 and A2 in milk and human health [pdf, 209KB]. Prepared for NZFSA, July, 2004

• Terms of reference for this report (March 2003)

• Report summary

Media Releases

• European authority to review A1/A2 milk science. Statement from Hon Lianne Dalziel,
Minister of Commerce, Minister for Food Safety. 19 February 2008

• Two reviews planned for A1/A2 milk debate statement from Hon Lianne Dalziel,
Minister of Commerce, Minister for Food Safety. 13 December 2007

• NZFSA announces reviews into A1/A2 milk claims. NZFSA Press release, 10 October 2007

• Author’s interpretation wrong. NZFSA Press release, 8 October 2007

• Food Safety Authority reassures milk drinkers. NZFSA Press release, 24 September 2007

• Milk remains safe. NZFSA Press Release, 13 September 2007

• A1/A2 milk review. NZFSA Press Release 3 August 2004

Resources

• Questions and answers on A1 and A2 milk

Related Links

• Food Safety Risk Management in New Zealand - a review of the New Zealand Food Safety Authority's risk management framework and its application [PDF, 670 KB]

Date updated: 29 May 2008