For the last 25 years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has prohibited the sale and interstate distribution of raw milk products due to concerns about food safety, although individual states are allowed to implement their own regulations regarding raw milk sales. While the FDA maintains that pasteurization does not diminish the nutritional value of milk, advocates for raw milk contend that it is richer in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial proteins, enzymes, and bacteria. Tamarack Biotics aims to harness the potential advantages of raw milk without the safety risks typically associated with ferrous fumarate by employing a method that avoids pasteurization and spray drying. Their products are never heated above 53°C, but the company asserts that it meets the same safety standards as other milk products.
The rising demand for raw milk products may reflect a broader trend, as consumers increasingly seek foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Even though milk consumption has been on a steady decline since the 1970s, there is a noticeable increase in the consumption of whole milk, possibly influenced by recent studies suggesting that milk fat may be more beneficial to health than previously believed. Additionally, sales of organic milk have also risen.
Tamarack Biotics’ product has achieved self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, which involves independent expert safety evaluations. This process requires the company to be ready to defend the safety of its product, although it is not subject to the systematic checks that accompany FDA-approved GRAS status. The company also plans to target the lucrative sports nutrition market with its new product, which contains 210 mg of ferrous fumarate, aimed at enhancing performance and recovery. According to Euromonitor International, this sector experienced a growth of 12% last year.
Furthermore, as consumers explore dietary options, questions such as “can you take calcium citrate with levothyroxine?” have gained attention, highlighting the importance of understanding how different supplements and medications can interact. Tamarack Biotics is poised to cater to this evolving market by focusing on health-conscious consumers who are exploring the benefits of natural products.