Bacterial contamination in standing infant formula and banked human breast milk at different temperatures and time intervals

Abstract

Expressed human breast milk alternatives may serve as the primary source of nutrition for infants in cases when direct breastfeeding is not possible. However, the improper observance of hygienic practices in handling, preparation, and storage may be a possible source of bacterial contamination in these alternatives. The study endeavored to compare the occurrence and rate of bacterial contamination between reconstituted powdered infant formula and banked human breast milk at different temperatures and time intervals along with the identification of specific pathogenic bacteria. The computed colony counts in CFU/mL was used as basis to determine contamination. Upon incubation of the reconstituted powdered infant formula milk and banked human breast milk under refrigerated (5°C) and room (37°C) temperatures for 0, 4, 6, and 8 hours, occurrence of aerobic mesophilic bacterial contamination in one type of reconstituted powdered infant formula milk under room temperature at the 8th hour was observed to be statistically significant. The presence of bacterial colonies in powdered infant formula milk and its absence in banked human breast milk provides evidence that banked human breast milk is a better alternative for expressed human breast milk than powdered infant formula milk.