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Pathogens and Indicator Organisms in Powdered Infant Formula

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Microorganisms in Foods 7

Abstract

As defined by Codex Alimentarius (CAC 1981), infant formulae are breast-milk substitutes specially manufactured to satisfy, by themselves, the nutritional requirements of infants during the first months of life up to the introduction of appropriate complementary feeding. The international standard for powdered infant formula and formulae for special medical purpose has been established by Codex Alimentarius in 1981. It has since then been continuously reviewed to take into account the results of new medical research. Definitions as well the age group for which these products are intended may vary depending on the countries. In the case of Europe, for example, infant formulae are intended for infants up to 6 months of age, while follow-up formulae are designed for infants from 6–12 months (EC 2006). In the case of the United States, however, no differences are made and infant formulae are intended for infants from birth up to 12 months.

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    International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF). (2018). Pathogens and Indicator Organisms in Powdered Infant Formula. In: Microorganisms in Foods 7. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-68460-4_15

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