STERILIZATION AND PRESERVATION OF FORMULAS FOR INFANTS

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Abstract
The "terminal" method of heating is the safest means of preparing artificial milk feedings for infants. There is no practical method of processing formula so that sterility is assured in every bottle. Certain organisms (particularly spore-forming bacteria) may survive regardless of the method used. Any departure from the usually recommended procedure for formula prepartion may be attended by the risk that the formula will become grossly contaminated. The term "terminal sterilization" as applied to the usual home method of preparation is a misnomer, since formulas may or may not be sterile even after "terminal" heating. The "aseptic" method of preparing formula, although theoretically safe if performed correctly, has the hazard that breaks in technique may occur and pathogenic contamination may result. Keeping terminally-heated formula at room or incubator temperatures for more than 6 hours may result in gross contamination of the formula by bacteria which were dormant in the milk-mixture. Although it is common practice in the home to prepare the required formula every day, the present experiments indicate that terminally-heated formula which is prepared with clean equipment, and then cooled and refrigerated immediately thereafter is bacteriologically safe for at least 2 or 3 days. A new supply of formula need not be made daily.

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