Stored baby milk may be unsafe – HiPP Organic first to support new advice to mums

Mums are facing changes to the way they make up and store milk feeds for their baby. HiPP Organic has lead the way by becoming the first baby milk brand to change their milks preparation advice to parents on milks packs.

HiPP became aware of the risks associated with advanced preparation of milks back in the summer and took immediate action to change the preparation instructions on their packs.

A panel of experts from the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) has concluded that babies could be at risk of infection from salmonella and Enterobacter sakazakii micro-organisms if milk feeds are made in advance and then stored. Although infections with these micro-organisms from formula milk are rare, the FSA are calling for health professionals to change their advice to parents about preparing milk feeds in advance. For convenience parents have, until now, been able to make up a milk feed and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Samantha Mort, HiPP’s Communications Manager says. “We changed our baby milk packs to reflect these changes back in July and have inserted thousands of leaflets into our milk packs telling parents what they should now be doing when it comes to storing milk feeds.”

Helen Gardiner, HiPP’s Nutrition expert adds “We recommend that you prepare your baby’s feeds freshly and that feeds should be used within one hour of preparation, with any left-over milk being discarded after feeding. Mothers, who require a feed for later, should keep water they have just boiled in a sealed flask and make up fresh formula milk when needed. The reason for this is that we want your baby’s milk feeds to be as safe as possible.“

HiPP is urging other baby milk brands to follow their lead and to change their preparation instructions to reflect this latest advice.

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Recommended guidance from the Food Standards Agency can be viewed at:
http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2005/nov/infantformulastatementnov05

Preparing baby milks in advance – HiPP Organic’s recommended procedure:

• Wash hands and sterilise all equipment following the manufacturer’s instructions. Boil fresh water and leave to cool for 30 minutes.
• Measure the required amount of water into a sterilised bottle (referring to the Feeding Guide) and using the scoop provided add 1 level scoop of powder to each fluid ounce of water (approx. 30ml). Level off the powder with the back of a clean dry knife, do not press the powder.
• Place the cap on the bottle and shake well until all the powder has dissolved (approx. 15 seconds). Remove cap and fit a sterilised teat.
• Allow to cool to drinking temperature (approx. 37° C). ALWAYS test the temperature of the milk before feeding.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Breastfeeding is best for babies. HiPP Organic Infant Milk is intended to replace breastmilk when mothers cannot or choose not to breastfeed. It is recommended that it is used only on the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist

Editors notes:

• HiPP Organic is the UK’s best selling organic baby food brand. With over 90 recipes in the range, including breakfasts, savouries and desserts, plus a range of drinks and follow on milks, HiPP Organic provides the best possible start to weaning. HiPP recipes are suitable for babies from 4 – 15 months of age, and can be found in all major supermarkets and health stores across the UK.

• For more information, including product images and product samples please call:
  Samantha Mort at HiPP Organic
  email sam@greenhq.co.uk