RACOON 三田理化工業株式会社

At Mita Rika Kogyo, we are dedicated to providing safe and secure environments for formula preparation. In this article, we would like to introduce the global standards that ensure the safety of powdered infant formula.

What are the Guidelines for the Preparation of Formula?

The primary international reference for formula safety is the “Guidelines for the Safe Preparation, Storage and Handling of Powdered Infant Formula,” prepared and published by the WHO (World Health Organization) and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) in 2007.

These guidelines were established to address the risks associated with intrinsic contamination of powdered formula.

• Reference: WHO/FAO Guidelines (PDF)

Why is “70°C or Higher” Necessary?

According to the WHO/FAO guidelines, powdered infant formula is not a sterile product. It can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as Enterobacter sakazakii (currently classified as Cronobacter species) and Salmonella, during the manufacturing process.

Since current manufacturing technology cannot guarantee the production of sterile powdered formula, the guidelines explicitly state that water for reconstitution should be no cooler than 70°C.

This temperature is critical because Enterobacter sakazakii is rapidly inactivated at temperatures above 70°C, significantly reducing the risk of infection for infants.

Guidelines for Care Settings

The guidelines are divided into two sections: Part 1 for Care Settings (medical institutions and day-care centers) and Part 2 for Home Settings. Both sections emphasize the necessity of preparing formula at 70°C or higher.

Mita Rika Kogyo’s Formula Preparation Systems are specifically designed for Care Settings, ensuring strict compliance with these international safety standards.

Two Methods for Mass Preparation

In care settings where large quantities of formula are prepared, two main methods are used. Our systems are engineered to support both methods with high precision:

1.Aseptic Preparation Method: This method requires preparing formula using sterilized equipment and water at 70°C or higher to prevent contamination. Our technology ensures precise temperature control during mixing and stirring to maintain safety.

2.Terminal Sterilization Method: This involves sterilizing the formula in the bottles after preparation. For this method, setting and maintaining the correct sterilization temperature is the most critical point. Our equipment provides reliable thermal control to ensure effective sterilization without compromising the nutritional quality more than necessary.

Furthermore, the guidelines highlight the importance of thoroughly washing and sterilizing feeding bottles and teats. We provide comprehensive solutions to address these hazards in the medical environment.

Our Commitment to Global Safety

We at Mita Rika Kogyo fully understand and interpret the WHO/FAO guidelines to propose the safest and most efficient formula preparation systems for medical institutions.

We are committed to helping you create a safe environment for infants. If you have any questions regarding compliance with international formula preparation guidelines or are interested in our total solutions, please feel free to contact us.

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