DIFFERENT TYPES OF LACTOSE
Lactose is the naturally occurring sugar found in milk and can be extracted from milk to be used in many applications. It can be used in many ways; it can be used as an ingredient or binder in food or drugs meant for human consumption, animal feed, and animal pharmaceuticals. It is also used in human infant formula. Lactose’s versatility is its most significant asset.
FEED GRADE LACTOSE
Feed-grade lactose is towards the lower end of lactose specifications because of its application in animal feed. While it is held to a lower standard than lactose that is meant for human consumption at MSG, it is still held to a high standard. We have the technologies to make it to the specification of your country or company.
PHARMA-GRADE LACTOSE
Lactose that is pharmaceutical-grade is held to a high standard because of its use as a binding agent and delivery system for different pharmaceuticals. The regulations which are set and mandated by the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. At Milk Specialties Global, we are happy to work with you and develop unique specifications for your organization’s needs.
EDIBLE GRADE LACTOSE
Edible-grade lactose is meant for human consumption; this is strictly regulated and specifies what can and cannot be considered edible-grade lactose. Edible-grade lactose is characterized by being:
- Minimum of 99% lactose
- Maximum .30% protein
- Maximum 0.30% ash
- Moisture maximum of 6%
These strict specifications are set as bare minimums here at Milk Specialties Global. We pride ourselves on shipping product that exceeds these standard minimums.
INFANT-GRADE LACTOSE
Infant-grade lactose is the most regulated and holds the highest specifications for what can be considered infant-grade lactose. This lactose must be at least:
- 99% lactose,
- A maximum of .30% protein
- 0.30% ash
- 6.0% moisture.
Along with those strict specifications, infant-grade lactose is tested for more microbiological pathogens than your standard lactose. It is typically produced and handled in a clean room. At Milk Specialties Global, we are happy to work with you and develop unique specifications for your organization’s needs.