B13008: An investigation into the attitudes and behaviours of consumers and caregivers in the preparation, handling, storage and feeding of powdered infant formula inside and outside the home
Monday 30 July 2007
This research project aims to highlight concerns in the preparation, storage and handling of powdered infant formula whether inside or outside of the home.
Background
Enterobacter sakazakii is a relatively rare but often fatal cause of infection in neonates, which may be caused by the consumption of contaminated powdered infant formula. Prevention of infection by this and other organisms requires care in the production/manufacturing of the formula product as well as how it is re-constituted and subsequently handled prior to feeding. Relatively little is known about how consumers, or caregivers, manage the safety aspects of powdered infant formula preparation and storage.
Research Approach
The proposed project seeks to address this lack of information by means of focus groups, interviews and questionnaires, coupled with self reporting, and time temperature, microbiological and observational data. This will be used as the basis for modelling the growth of E. sakazakii in relation to “in-use” practices, the provision of risk assessment data and risk communication materials.