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. 2018 Oct;67(4):543-546.
doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000002100.

Preparation of Powdered Infant Formula: Could Product's Safety Be Improved?

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Preparation of Powdered Infant Formula: Could Product's Safety Be Improved?

Marina Nadia Losio et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018 Oct.

Abstract

The recent outbreak of Salmonella Agona linked to the consumption of infant formula (powdered formula) has rekindled the attention about the correct procedures for preparation and use of these products. International guidelines have already been published so far, particularly in association with Cronobacter sakazakii in early 2000s. FAO/WHO suggested to reconstitute formula with water at no less than 70°C. We therefore contaminated powdered formula with low levels of Salmonella spp and C sakazakii to evaluate the pathogens inactivation during the formula preparation using water at 70°C. In these conditions we observed a survival of both pathogens, indicating that the suggested recommendations may be not enough to guarantee the safety of this product. Higher temperatures are needed to reduce the biological risk, even if it may be not easily realized in actual domestic conditions. Moreover, the impact on the nutritional value of reconstituted formulas should be evaluated.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Time/temperature profiles monitored in formula reconstituted with water at 70°C (FAO/WHO) (A) and with water at 87 ± 2°C (alternative procedure) (B). Data are reported for all tests (3 replicates).

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