Non-sterile foods

Posted by Andrew Wadge on July 4th 2007 in Science, safety and health

I was interested to read about a small but important Agency study examining consumer and healthcare professionals understanding of the term ‘non-sterile’, and their attitudes towards labelling and advice on powdered infant formula milk.

Although the concept of ‘non-sterile’ was understood, very few of those questioned realised that powdered infant formula milk was actually a non-sterile food product and contains micro-organisms. There was an assumption that all canned and bottled foods are sterile, at least until they are opened.

In fact, very few food products can be described as being ‘sterile’, the dictionary definition for which is ‘free from bacteria or other living micro-organisms’. Once opened, even sterile foods cease to be bug-free because of the micro-organisms in the environment, hence the importance of following any storage instructions provided on the label.

Tinned foods such as baked beans get a high temperature cook during the production process and are described as being ‘commercially sterile’. This means that although harmful micro-organisms such as Clostridium botulinum should be destroyed or aren’t able to grow, the food isn’t completely sterile. Contrastingly there are many foods where micro-organisms are added intentionally as an integral part of the product, such as various types of yoghurt, cheeses and probiotic products.

Currently foods aren’t labelled as either ‘sterile’ or ‘non-sterile’. It’s important in the case of powdered infant formula milk that parents and others choosing or needing to feed formula to babies should be made aware that it isn’t sterile. By making this clear we can help reinforce the importance of following carefully the instructions for the preparation and use of formula.

This is an important issue because infant formula is occasionally contaminated with bacteria that may be harmful to babies, such as Enterobacter sakazakii which was found recently in a batch of baby food imported from Uganda.

This work has raised a number of points that I am sure may spark an interesting debate. Let me know what you think.

Labelling powdered infant formula as 'non-sterile' - meeting

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infant formula

Posted by Alan Procter (not verified) on 05/02/2008 - 16:28

I have looked at cans of infant formula in my today in my local ASDA store. I have not seen any labels that say it is not sterile. I would also like to ask if the Agency have tested these products for mycobacterium paratuberculosis? (February 2008)

powdered infant formula

Posted by ruth daykin (not verified) on 05/07/2007 - 19:05

I read your article with interest, I feel that the consumer does have a preconception that products will be sterile, this is especially important where baby formula is concerned. I find that parents know that boiled water should be used, but however often wait until the water has cooled considerably before mixing with the milk powder. Therefore not realising that the powder could be the source of contamination if not mixed at the right temperature. I think that this type of food should be labelled accordingly, especially given the vulnerability of the consumer.