Physicochemical Characteristics and Microbial Quality of Powdered Infant Milk Formula Accessed in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background: Infant formula (IF) is a commercially available substance that is used to replace human milk as a source of nourishment for premature infants. Ensuring food safety and quality is challenge tasks regulatory body. Infants are susceptible to health problems, including disease related to consumption of incomplete infant formula. The aim of this study was to examine the Physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of powdered infant milk formula accessed in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Using simple random sampling techniques, gathered and examined 24 samples of 8 brands of infants’ milk powder (PIF) from the local market in Gondar City in laboratory-based cross-sectional research design. For physicochemical features of analysis, the milk analyzer was utilized, and for microbiological characteristics of analysis, the standard plate technique was used. SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis. To test for significant differences, one-way analysis of variance was utilized, and post-hoc tests were used to determine specific differences in variables. Results: The average of parameters in range were fat (2.97-5.67), protein (5.00-6.53), carbohydrate (5.92-9.93),and lactose (7.67-9.93 g/100kcal) among the eight brands of Powdered Infant Formula within 12 months of age leveling. Whereas, the average of total solids (78.80-107.24), solids non-fat (64.92-85.08), and ash (4.73-6.42 g/100g) contents were registered among the eight brands within 12 months of age leveling. The minimum and maximum average total number of Bacillus Cereus (4.84-5.82), Staphylococcus aureus (2.96-5.42) and yeast (1.39-5.45 log10 CFU/g) were obtained in 8 brands of Powdered Infant Formula within 12 months leveling. Aspergillus niger was the highest (54.17%) microbial contents among 24 powdered infant formulas. Conclusion: Physicochemical and microbiological analysis revealed that quality of infant milk formula was not met the Codex Alimentarus Commission standard. This implies that poor hygienic during processing of milk formula might lead to the present poor quality infant milk formula. Therefore, regular inspection system establishment for quality control is essential to safeguard for infants’ milk formula. Keywords: Infant milk formula; physicochemical characteristics; microbial quality Gondar, Ethiopia