Literature review for - Flourish Paediatrics

30 FOOD SAFETY (N1.5)
Recommendations for safe preparation and storage of infant formula and breast milk
Table 30.4 summarises recommendations about the preparation of powdered infant formula
(PIF) and storage of breast milk. Enterobacter sakazakii is recognised as an emerging
opportunistic pathogen and the etiological agent of life-threatening bacterial infections in
infants. PIF is not a sterile product and PIF has been shown to contain E. sakazakii. To reduce
the risk of infection, reconstitution of formula should be undertaken by caregivers using good
hygienic practice and in accordance with the product manufacturer’s food safety guidelines
(Drudy, Mullane et al. 2006; Redmond and Griffith 2009).
Many of the same recommendations apply to the storage of expressed breast milk. However
breast milk may be stored frozen for longer term storage, or kept up to 5 days refrigerated up
to 4°C, although caution is needed when dealing with preterm infants (Dalidowitz 2005;
Eglash 2005).
Table 30.4 Recommendations for safe preparation and
storing of infant formula and breast milk
Recommendations
Wash hands with soap and water and use a clean space to work
before preparing any formula
Boil fresh water and allow to cool before making up formula
Prepare formula just before a baby’s feed. Extra formula can be
stored in the refrigerator at ≤5°C for no more than 24 hours.
Always warm bottles in a water bath and not the microwave
Discard any food than has not been consumed within 2 hours
All bottles and teats should be rinsed in cold water, washed in hot
soapy water, rinsed and sterilized before being used again
Store expressed breast milk in date labelled sterilized containers for
up to 2 weeks frozen, or up to 5 days refrigerated at ≤4°C
Sources: (Eglash 2005; World Health Organization 2007;
Department of Health and Ageing 2009)
Organisations
WHO
DOHA
WHO
DOHA
WHO
DOHA
WHO
DOHA
WHO
WHO
DOHA
ABM
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