Making up infant milks safely
It is important that infant milks are made up safely. Powdered infant formula is not sterile and needs to be made up at a temperature which will kill any potential bacteria present. All equipment needs to be sterilised, and it is important to know how to make up and store milk safely.
The bacterial contamination of powdered infant formula
This report summarises evidence about the known risks associated with potential bacterial contamination of powdered infant formula (PIF). We believe that maintaining the minimum 700C water temperature for making up PIF is essential but also recommend a review of water cooling times and alternative preparation methods. In addition, we recommend an urgent independent review by the Food Standards Agency of risks and/or benefits of the use of probiotics in infant milk products bearing in mind the known risks associated with potential pathogen presence in PIF.
Information and our concerns about formula preparation machines (including the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep machine) can be found on pages 37-40 of this report.
Latest evidence on formula preparation devices
In October 2023 a paper was published which confirms that, despite their marketing claims, formula preparation devices often do not deliver water hot enough (i.e. at least 70˚C) to kill any bacteria that may be in the powdered infant formula.
The FSA are advising parents/carers to check that the temperature of the water used to prepare infant formula is at least 70˚C “regardless of the method used”, and that if that is not the case for those using an infant formula preparation machine, that they should contact the manufacturer and their local Trading Standards Department or Citizens Advice.
The UK’s product safety regulator, the Office for Product Safety and Standards has purchased examples of the infant formula preparation machines to assess compliance and have said that, if necessary, UK consumers will be informed of any actions they might need to take.
The safest way to prepare infant formula is using a kettle, following NHS guidance
If you use a formula preparation machine, we suggest: Check the temperature of the water dispensed using a food thermometer. Always do this separately to making a bottle as the thermometer can contaminate the water. If the temperature if below 70 degrees: - Use a kettle instead to make up bottles following NHS guidance - Report to your manufacturer. Scan QR code for NHS advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/making-up-baby-formula
Guide to bottle feeding:
How to prepare infant formula and sterilise bottles
Guide to Bottle Feeding by UNICEF Baby Friendly, Better Health Start for Life and the NHS provides information on safe preparation and storage of infant milks.
It is important that infant milks are made up safely. Powdered infant formula is not sterile and needs to be made up a temperature which will kill any potential bacteria present. All equipment needs to be sterilised, and it is important to know how to make up and store milk safely.
Making up bottles of infant formula from hot taps and baby kettles
More kitchens are now fitted with hot water taps dispensing boiling water directly. This statement provides some information to support families making up formula this way to do so safely.