FSSAI clarifies addition of protein binders not permitted in milk and milk products

The addition of any binding material like protein binders to milk and milk products is not warranted to modify the textural or sensory parameters

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clarified that the addition of protein binders is not permitted in milk and milk products. Further, only those additives can be used in milk and milk products which are specified for such products in Appendix A of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011.

Almost every dairy product has unique and well-accepted textural and other sensory characteristics. Hence, the addition of any binding material like protein binders to milk and milk products is not warranted to modify the textural or sensory parameters.

Binding agents have emerged as an important and required class of ingredients to manufacture a wide range of new food products, especially semi-solid or solid foods. However, such application is known to affect the digestibility of the protein-bound and thus can affect the biological and nutritive value of milk proteins. Protein binding also influences the bioavailability and distribution of active compounds.

The milk protein has a high biological value as it is a good source of essential amino acids. Besides, milk proteins are easily digestible and do not contain any anti-nutritional factors, unlike many plant-based proteins. In addition, milk and milk products contain a wide array of proteins with biological activities ranging from antimicrobial ones to those facilitating the absorption of nutrients, as well as acting as growth factors, hormones, enzymes, antibodies and immune stimulants.