Evaluation of Microbial Quality and Hygienic Process of Powdered Infant Formulas in the Omani Market

Authors: Al-Darmaki AM, Al-Bulushi IM*, Al- Sarmi KN and Al-Hamdani FJ

DOI: 10.23880/act-16000319

Volume 9, Issue 4

Abstract

Substitution of breast milk with powdered infant formula (PIF) for infants is a common practice worldwide. However, since PIF is not sterile, microbial contamination from processing lines and environment is quite possible. The objective of the study was to evaluate the microbial quality and status of hygienic process of PIF in the Omani market. In total 25 PIF samples from five different brands were evaluated microbiology by total bacterial and Enterobacteriaceae counts as well as measuring water activity. The results showed that the total bacterial counts were lower than the maximum limit set by CODEX Standards; 3 log CFU/g, while, Enterobacteriaceae were not detected. Water activity ranged from 0.1-0.3. In conclusion, PIF were found at good microbial quality and processed under good hygienic conditions.

Keywords: Powdered Infant Formula; Total Bacteria; Enterobacteriaceae

View PDF