Survey Into Hygienic Situation Of Infant Formula Enterprises In China And Study On Application Of HACCP In Infant Formula Enterprises

Purpose: Infant formula is a processed and powdered product to feed infants, which are made from milk and its products or soybean and its products, and added with nutrients fortification and other additives according to formula. Human milk is regarded as the perfect natural food for infants. However, when breastfeeding is not possible, accessible or sufficient, infant formula serves as an adequate substitute for human milk. So the hygienic quality and safety of infant formula play a very important role in the growth and development of infants. The survey was conducted to acknowledge the present hygienic situation of infant formula enterprises in China, and then, a study on the application of HACCP in infant formula enterprises was carried out to improve the hygienic quality of infant formula.Method: In the Survey into Hygienic Situation of Infant Formula Enterprises, 62 enterprises from 10 provinces were selected as objects. The survey table was designed in accordance with national regulations and standards while the characteristics of production of infant formula were taken into consideration. The survey contents consisted of the general situations of the enterprises and the situations in which they implemented good hygiene practice (GHP).In the Study on Application of HACCP in Infant Formula Enterprises, one enterprise in which the representative Wet Technique was used to produce infant formula was selected as the object. According to "HACCP System and Guidelines for Its Application" issued by CAC, hazard analysis of raw material and each processing step was conducted through investigating the technical processes on the spot. Three critical control points (CCPs) were defined: the quality of raw milk, mixing the supplementaries, and sterilization and condensation. The critical limits and control measures of each CCP were set up as well. Meanwhile, the monitoring system, corrective actions, verification procedures, and documents and records saving system were established.Conclusion: The results of the survey showed that there was a gap between the present hygiemc situation and what the national regulations demanded. It was suggested that hygienic practice of foods for infants and children should be constituted as soon as possible to ensure the hygiemc quality and safety of infant formula.The results of the study on application of HACCP showed that the HACCP system established in the object enterprises was successful. After consecutive six months' monitoring, no batch of products was disqualified. It proved that the HACCP system was feasible and effective, and the HACCP system could ensure the hygienic quality and safety of infant formula.