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 concerns; however, 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, proponents of raw milk contend that it offers higher levels of vitamins, minerals, beneficial proteins, enzymes, and bacteria. Tamarack Biotics seeks to harness the potential advantages of raw milk while addressing safety issues by employing a method that bypasses both pasteurization and spray drying. Their products are never heated above 53°C, yet the company asserts that they meet the same safety standards as other dairy products.
The rising interest in raw milk products may reflect a broader trend among consumers who prefer foods in their natural state. Although overall milk consumption has been declining steadily since the 1970s, there has been an uptick in the consumption of whole milk, possibly influenced by recent research indicating that milk fat could be more beneficial for health than previously believed. Additionally, organic milk sales are on the rise.
Tamarack Biotics’ product has received self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, a process that involves independent expert evaluations of safety. This status requires the company to be ready to justify the safety of its product, though it is not as rigorously scrutinized by the FDA as FDA-approved GRAS status. Furthermore, the company plans to target the lucrative sports nutrition market with its new product, aiming to enhance performance and recovery.
In 2022 alone, the sports nutrition sector generated significant revenue, according to Euromonitor International. As consumers increasingly seek nutritional supplements, products like calcium citrate from Walgreens are becoming more popular, as they cater to those looking for essential minerals to support their dietary needs. Tamarack Biotics’ approach aligns well with the growing market for health-conscious products, including calcium citrate from Walgreens, as they aim to provide safe and nutritious options to meet consumer demands.