Investigation of microbial contamination of Powdered Infant Formula during different storage periods after opening
The present study was carried out to knowing effect different storage periods of the microbial quality for the Powdered Infant Formula (PIF) after opening the tin, and ensuring from the safety note (after opening, use within 3 weeks). Thirty (30) samples of (PIF) from category (1 – 6 months) in five different types are collected from pharmacies and local markets in Baquba city / Iraq, which are used as substitutes for breast milk during the first day of opening the tin powders such as Total viable count, Total coliform count, Salmonella count and Yeast and Molds count. These experiments repeated at each week of same samples within (5) weeks. Results were obtained at opening the tin, Total viable count (less than 0.05 1.0 x 103 ±1.5x10 CFU/g) were significantly higher than Total Coliform count (less than 0.05 ± 0.3 x 10 CFU/g) and Total Salmonella count (less than 0.05 0 x 10 CFU/g) and Yeasts and Molds (less than 0.05 ± 0.3 x 10 CFU/g). while results obtained at fifth week were (less than 0.05 8.8 x 103 ±5.5x102 CFU/g), (less than 0.05 0.9 x 102 ± 0.4x101 CFU/g), (less than 0.05 0 x 10 CFU/g), (less than 0.05 9.5 x 10 ± 1.2x101 CFU /g) respectively. All samples of (PIF) having non-significant difference. These results compared to Iraqi Quality Standards (IQS), all the results from the opening samples to fifth week were within the range of IQS and USA Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and as indicates the hygienic condition of (PIF) without risk level for human health. also observed increase in microbial contamination in each week because increase the moisture content for powdered milk. Can be used more than 3 weeks after opening if stored in good conditions with good hygienic practices during milk preparation.