Key Takeaways
- Tamarack Biotics’ TruActive® UV-based treatment accepted by U.S. FDA as meeting pasteurization standards
- Process preserves bioactive nutrients typically lost in traditional heat-based pasteurization
- Initial applications will focus on powdered dairy products, with plans for broader use by 2027
- Clinical trials suggest improved immune function and potential allergy protection benefits
- Company promotes solution as a sustainable, low-energy alternative to conventional thermal processing
Tamarack Biotics’ TruActive® Clears Regulatory Hurdle
Tamarack Biotics has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acceptance for its TruActive® milk treatment process, a non-thermal, UV light-based method that inactivates pathogens while preserving the full nutritional profile of raw milk. This marks the first time a light-based approach has been officially recognized to meet the federal safety standards for milk pasteurization.
Preserving Raw Milk Benefits Without the Risk
Unlike traditional heat pasteurization, which can degrade milk’s natural enzymes, proteins, and immune-boosting compounds, Tamarack Biotics’ technology maintains the integrity of these nutrients. The result is a product that retains the sensory and nutritional properties of raw milk while meeting modern safety requirements.
“Safe treatment of milk hasn’t fundamentally changed in over 150 years,” said Bob Comstock, CEO of Tamarack Biotics. “We’ve created a solution that brings raw milk safety into the 21st century, without sacrificing what makes milk truly nutritious. Our UV process actually achieves a greater level of safety than thermal pasteurization, which is truly remarkable.”
Pathway to New Product Development
The FDA’s determination enables Tamarack Biotics to use the TruActive® process in the production of powdered dairy ingredients such as whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, and lactoferrin. These ingredients are commonly used in nutritional products, including supplements and infant formulas. The company has also announced plans to expand the technology to other dairy formats—such as yogurt, cheese, kefir, and colostrum—before potentially treating liquid milk directly by 2027.
Research Highlights Promise of TruActive®
In a clinical trial at UC Davis, milk protein concentrate treated with TruActive® was shown to restore immune function in aging individuals. Meanwhile, European studies have highlighted a link between raw milk consumption and reduced rates of childhood allergies and asthma. Tamarack’s technology aims to replicate these benefits without exposing consumers to the health risks associated with unpasteurized milk.
