Current general procedure Infant formula

1 current general procedure

1.1 mixing ingredients
1.2 pasteurization
1.3 homogenization
1.4 standardization
1.5 packaging
1.6 heat treatment or sterilization

current general procedure

the manufacturing process may differ different types of formula made; therefore following general procedure liquid-milk based formulas:

mixing ingredients

primary ingredients blended in large stainless steel tanks , skim milk added , adjusted 60 °c. then, fats, oils , emulsifiers added. additional heating , mixing may required proper consistency. next, minerals, vitamins, , stabilizing gums added @ various points, depending on sensitivity heat. batch temporarily stored , transported pipelines pasteurization equipment when mixing complete.

pasteurization

this process protects against spoilage eliminating bacteria, yeasts , molds. involves heating , cooling of product under controlled conditions micro-organisms cannot survive. batch held @ around 85–94 °c approximately 30 seconds necessary adequately reduce micro-organisms , prepare formula filling.

homogenization

this process increases emulsion uniformity , stability reducing size of fat , oil particles in formula. done variety of mixing equipment applies shear product , mixing breaks fat , oil particles small droplets.

standardization

standardization used ensure key parameters ph, fat concentration , vitamins , mineral content correct. if insufficient levels of these found, batch reworked achieve appropriate levels. after step, batch ready packaged.

packaging

packaging depends on manufacturer , type of equipment used, in general, liquid formula filled metal cans lids crimped place.

heat treatment or sterilization

finally, infant formulas heat treated maintain bacteriologic quality of product. can done traditionally either retort sterilization or high-temperature short-time (htst) treatment. recently, ultrahigh-temperature treated formula has become more commonly used. if powdered formula made, spray drying required in addition. retort sterilization traditional retort sterilization method uses 10-15mins treatment @ 118 °c. ultrahigh-temperature (uht) method uses brief (2–3 seconds) treatment @ 142 °c. because of short time used, there little protein denaturation, process still ensures sterility of final product.