A major breakthrough in food science could soon make raw milk safer to consume—without stripping it of the vital nutrients that make it so popular among natural health advocates.
California-based Tamarack Biotics has earned FDA approval for its TruActive UV light technology. This first-of-its-kind process eliminates harmful pathogens while preserving the enzymes, proteins, and immunity-boosting compounds that are typically destroyed by pasteurization.
“Safe treatment of milk hasn’t fundamentally changed in over 150 years,” said Tamarack CEO Bob Comstock. “This is the first real innovation that brings milk safety into the 21st century—without sacrificing what makes raw milk truly nutritious.”
Unlike pasteurization, which uses high heat, TruActive utilizes targeted ultraviolet light to gently and effectively sanitize milk. The result? A scientifically validated process that retains the raw milk’s natural integrity while enhancing its safety profile.
Although the FDA currently limits the use of TruActive to powdered dairy ingredients, such as whey protein concentrate and immune-supporting lactoferrin, Tamarack plans to expand its application to cheese, yogurt, kefir, and eventually fluid raw milk by 2027.
This comes at a time when interest in raw milk is surging, driven by studies showing potential health benefits, including reduced rates of asthma, eczema, and food allergies in children. European research has long supported these findings, but U.S. regulations have lagged behind.
Critics continue to raise concerns, citing older studies that link unpasteurized dairy to foodborne illness. Yet many argue that these risks can be minimized with modern sanitation methods—like TruActive—primarily when raw milk is responsibly sourced and handled.
For raw milk advocates, this marks a pivotal step forward. It could finally open the door to safer, legally accessible raw milk—without compromising the nutritional richness that makes it so sought after in the first place.
