Page 39 - FoodFocusThailand No.240 April 2026

SPECIAL FOCUS

Membrane Filtration While both enzymatic treatment and membrane filtration are proven methods
Membrane filtration uses for producing highquality lactosefree milk, enzymatic treatment generally offers
a physical separation process greater practicality and flexibility for most production environments. The optimal
to remove lactose from milk. In choice still depends on production scale, investment level, flavor objectives, and
ultrafiltration, milk is passed existing infrastructure.
through a membrane that retains For most small and mid-size processors in Thailand, enzymatic treatment with
proteins and fat while allowing lactase offers the most accessible and operationally flexible entry point. For large-
smaller molecules, including scale producers with investment capacity and a use for permeate by-products,
lactose and water, to pass through membrane filtration can deliver excellent results.
as permeate.
Nanofiltration uses finer
membranes that can retain even More Information Service Info C004
more lactose, enabling higher
levels of reduction. This results
in lactose-free milk with a flavor
profile very close to that of
standard milk. Membrane filtration
also allows for the production
of milk with different nutritional
profiles, such as increased protein
levels.
The trade-off is the capital
investment required for the
filtration line infrastructure, which
adds to operational complexity. The
filtration process also generates a
lactose-rich permeate that must be
managed.
Advanced dairy processors
today often use both processes
– filtration to remove the bulk of
the lactose, followed by enzymatic
hydrolysis to breakdown the
remaining lactose.

Regulatory and Labeling in
Thailand
In Thailand, food labeling and claims
are regulated under the Ministry
of Public Health notifications
enforced by the Thai FDA. While
“lactose-free” is not classified as
a health claim, it is considered a
composition statement and must
be truthful, substantiated, and not
misleading.
Dairy processors must ensure
that lactose levels are technically
justified and supported by analytical
or process validation data.
Manufacturers must also ensure that
claims do not imply the prevention
or treatment of disease and that
they remain compliant with all
allergen declaration requirements.
Regulatory alignment with the
Thai FDA is required regardless of
the technology chosen to remove
lactose.

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