Infant formula processing Infant formula

1 infant formula processing

1.1 history
1.2 current general procedure

1.2.1 mixing ingredients
1.2.2 pasteurization
1.2.3 homogenization
1.2.4 standardization
1.2.5 packaging
1.2.6 heat treatment or sterilization


1.3 recent , future potential new ingredients

1.3.1 probiotics
1.3.2 prebiotics
1.3.3 lysozyme , lactoferrin

infant formula processing
history

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.

recent , future potential new ingredients
probiotics

recently, probiotics have become new ingredient in many of our foods, , studies have been completed regarding use of probiotics in infant formula several randomized, controlled trials completed have shown limited , short term clinical benefits use of probiotics in infants’ diet safety of probiotics in general , in infants, preterm infants, has been investigated in limited number of controlled trials. findings far suggest probiotics safe. therefore, study suggested more scientific research necessary before conclusion can made probiotic supplementation in infant formula, since research still quite preliminary.

prebiotics

prebiotics undigestible carbohydrates promote growth of probiotic bacteria in gut. human milk contains variety of oligosaccharides believed important factor in pattern of microflora colonization of breastfed infants. because of variety, variability, complexity , polymorphism of oligosaccharide composition , structure, not feasible reproduce oligosaccharide components of human milk in strictly structural fashion.

the european society of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, , nutrition committee on nutrition found evidence support short term effects of ingesting prebiotics on stool microflora of infants increased in number of bifidobacteria. babies can @ risk of dehydration induction of softer stools, if have kidney immaturity and/or poor ability concentrate urine. reduction of pathogens has been associated consumption of prebiotics. however, there no evidence support major clinical or long-term benefits. therefore, there little evidence of beneficial effects of prebiotics in dietary products.

lysozyme , lactoferrin

lysozyme enzyme responsible protecting body damaging bacterial cell walls. lactoferrin globular, multifunctional protein has antimicrobial activity. compared human milk, cow’s milk has signifactly lower levels of lysozyme , lactoferrin; therefore, industry has increasing interest in adding them infant formulas.