BABY-SAFE

Light-based technologies for the decontamination of powdered infant formula

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Powdered infant formula is the most widespread and established alternative to the breastfeeding of the newborn. Despite preservation steps during production illnesses caused by contaminated formula as a result of Salmonella spp., Cronobacter sakazakii have been reported, which can often lead to brain damage or death in babies and infants. The use of extremely high temperatures during sterilisation can cause a great degree of protein denaturation. Considering the naturally lower content of lysozyme and lactoferrin of cow’s milk, which is the base of infant formulation, these ingredients have to be added at a cost to match more closely human milk, and are severely denatured by excessive heat treatment. As such, there is a need to provide manufacturers with a reliable treatment method that is effective in the inactivation of microorganisms and does not diminish the nutritional quality of the formula. Past research has shown the effectiveness of light technologies for surface decontamination in packaging, for treatment of transparent and non-transparent beverages, and for the decontamination of vegetative microorganisms. Moreover, the combination of different light technologies can enable short exposure times. Researchers have successfully applied light technology to reduce the bacterial load in infant formula spread on a flat surface. This project will develop a novel system for the reduction of microbial contamination of infant formula by using a more gentle temperature processing based on 2 types of light in combination with a fluidised bed system. The system will be safe, effective, affordable, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly. By preventing the use of excessive temperatures, the risk of protein denaturation will be reduced. Moreover, by combining the light technology with the mixing and transport of fluidised beds, longer shelf life and a reduction in infant formula related illnesses can be achieved.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An EU team aims to decontaminate baby formula using light. At least two different technologies effectively neutralise three common types of dangerous bacteria in formula, without affecting nutritional quality as heat would.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Powdered infant formula (PIF) is a non-sterile breast milk substitute, vulnerable during production to bacterial contamination that can kill babies or cause serious harm. Heat treatment would kill the bacteria, but also reduce the nutritional quality of the formula, hence the need for an alternative.

Developing one is the EU-funded project 'Light-based technologies for the decontamination of powdered infant formula' (http://www.babysafe-fp7.eu (BABY-SAFE)). Over two years from May 2013, the nine-member consortium plans to develop a method of safely decontaminating infant formula using light-based technologies. The project also aims to develop and validate an industrial prototype.

Work began with surveying producers' needs and their perceptions of safety and quality. The team prepared and delivered a questionnaire to manufacturers in four EU countries. Additionally, the project reviewed the subject's existing literature. The work helped to define the system specifications.

The team then designed and built the equipment needed for laboratory testing. Prior to testing, the researchers characterised two candidate light technologies in terms of energy delivered to the formula and the extent of heating. Early results in liquid suspension indicate that both high intensity light pulses and continuous UV-C (a sub-type of ultraviolet light) effectively deactivate three common types of dangerous bacteria. The technologies were also shown to work on powdered material.

Further testing on PIF confirmed the two technologies as viable choices for bacterial deactivation. The advantages and disadvantages of each will be considered prior to full scale-up.

Currently, the project is working on optimising the process, to ensure maximum effect on bacteria with minimal effect on nutrition.

The consortium agreed on a set of safety/quality parameters for subsequent testing, some of which were included in a catalogue of requirements. The team has also devised a dissemination strategy, incorporating a project website and materials such as leaflets and posters.

BABY-SAFE will yield a system for safe production of PIF, using light technologies and a fluidised bed. The production method will enable European producers to compete internationally on product quality and safety.