On Sat, 22 Nov 1997, Don Marcotte wrote:

> > Stearoyl-2-lactylate is ALSO made from Lactic Acid and Fatty Acids.  Lactic
> > Acid is sometimes made from whey.
>
> I'm even more curious how one makes lactic acid without milk?

Lactic acid is prepared by high temperature fermentation of carbohydrates
(glucose, lactose, sucrose, etc.) in the presence of particular bacteria,
usually Bacillus acidi lacti.  The most common carbohydrate sources for
commercial production of lactic acid are whey, molasses, cornstarch and
potato.  One makes lactic acid without milk by using one of these
non-dairy sources of carbohydrate.

Amanda