Fresno-based Tamarack Biotics secured acceptance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its novel light-based milk treatment process, clearing the way for a new generation of dairy products that retain the full bioactive benefits of raw milk without the risk, according to a news release.

Tamarack’s TruActive process uses UV light technology that eliminates harmful pathogens while preserving the enzymes, proteins and immunity-supporting compounds that are often destroyed by traditional heat-based pasteurization. The result is a scientifically verified, safe, raw milk equivalent — a first in the dairy industry and an exciting development for the growing public demand for raw and minimally processed foods, according to the release.

The TruActive process is also more sustainable than thermal processing with far less energy is used, according to the release.

“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.”

The FDA’s determination confirms that Tamarack’s method meets the official efficacy criteria for pasteurization, allowing it to initially be used in the production of powdered dairy ingredients such as whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate and immune-supporting compounds like lactoferrin. Tamarack has already started expanding TruActive to other dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, kefir and colostrum. 

These steps pave the way for acceptance of TruActive treatment of liquid raw milk as early as 2027, according to the release.

A UC Davis clinical trial demonstrated that a milk protein concentrate treated with the TruActive process restored immune function in aging populations.  Additionally, many European studies proved that raw milk consumption protected children from developing allergies such as asthma, eczema and food allergies. Tamarack’s light-based system delivers the compounds believed responsible for allergy protection with none of the risks associated with unpasteurized dairy.