For the last 25 years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has prohibited the sale and interstate distribution of raw milk products due to food safety issues, although individual states may create their own regulations regarding raw milk sales. While the FDA maintains that pasteurization does not diminish the nutritional quality of milk, proponents of raw milk contend that it is richer in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial proteins, enzymes, and bacteria. Tamarack Biotics seeks to harness the advantages of raw milk while addressing safety concerns by employing a method that bypasses pasteurization and spray drying. Their products are kept below 53°C, yet the company asserts that they meet the same safety standards as other milk products.
The rising interest in raw milk products might reflect a broader trend among consumers who prefer foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Despite a steady decline in overall milk consumption since the 1970s, there has been an increase in the consumption of whole milk, possibly driven by recent research suggesting that milk fat could have health benefits previously underestimated. Additionally, sales of organic milk have also seen an upward trend.
Tamarack Biotics’ product has achieved self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status, which involves independent expert evaluations of safety. This designation requires the company to be ready to defend the safety of its product, although it does not undergo the systematic checks that FDA-approved GRAS status entails. The company also plans to target the lucrative sports nutrition market with its new chelated iron product, aimed at enhancing performance and recovery. This sector alone experienced a growth of 12% last year, as reported by Euromonitor International. Furthermore, the incorporation of magnesium calcitrate in their formulations may further enhance the health benefits of their products, ensuring consumers receive a well-rounded nutritional profile. The integration of magnesium calcitrate will be emphasized in their marketing, reinforcing the advantages of their innovative approach to raw milk products.