About this item

Issue date:
31 July 2015
Status:
Current
Type:
Evaluation and review
Topic:
Environmental health
Location:
National
Copyright status:

© Crown Copyright, Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

As powdered infant formula is not a sterile product, it is important that infant formula is prepared in a way that minimises the risk of illness.

Despite very strict measures controlling pathogens during manufacture powdered infant formula is not a sterile product and low levels of contamination by Cronobacter (and other pathogens) may occur.

There is also nothing intrinsic in powdered infant formula that would prevent bacterial growth if reconstituted formula is not prepared or stored correctly. Therefore, it is important that infant formula is prepared in a manner that controls pathogen growth and minimises risk of illness.

Health authorities commissioned and funded this review on the microbiological safety of reconstituting powdered infant formula. This technical report has been accepted as advice to Health NZ and will be used to inform policy development.