520
ment of necrotizing enterocolitis. Necrotizing enterocolitis is a severe condition
where a portion of the bowel dies. It’s common in preterm infants. Some probiotic
strains are present in mother’s milk in small amount and some are commercialized
product in which convincing data are available on safety and efficacy, can be recommended for medical use (Vandenplas et al. 2013).
European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
committee showed that probiotic-supplemented formula to healthy infants does not
raise safety concerns with regard to growth and adverse effects. However, administration of probiotic-supplemented infant formula during early life (≤4 months) does
not show any consistent clinical effects. Because of a lack of data on the long-term
effects of the administration of formula supplemented with probiotics especially the
effects persisted after the administration of the probiotic has stopped, the Committee
does not recommend the routine use of probiotic-supplemented formula in infants
(Braegger et al. 2011).
23.6 Safety of Ready-to-Use Foods
Ready-to-use foods (RUFs) that have been produced according to good manufacturing practices (GMP) with the application of the Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Points (HACCP) program are generally safe for consumption (Manary
2006; Osendarp et al. 2015). Quality control is of paramount importance during the
production of RUFs in order to ensure that the final product is free from contamination and of the desired quality.
Quality is built into the product rather than tested into it therefore robust quality
control measures and systems are necessary at every stage of the manufacturing
process. In the manufacture of RUFs, quality control measures are instituted to safeguard against contamination with aflatoxin and bacteria, oxidation of fatty acids and
errors that result in content variation (Manary 2006).
Aflatoxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus can contaminate peanuts after harvest before they have been ground into a peanut butter. This can be prevented by
storing the peanuts in a cool, dry environment and also by using chemical fungicides (Manary 2006). The maximum aflatoxin content in RUFs should be within the
range of 10–20 ppb according to international standards. Consumption of RUF with
high content of aflatoxin produces acute toxicities (CDC 2004).
Ready-to-use therapeutic foods are naturally free from bacterial contamination
due to the low moisture content of the products therefore care must be exercised to
prevent he introduction of water into the product during manufacture (Manary
2006). Potential sources of water during production include wet mixing bowls and
containers thus it is recommended to limit the number of times the production line
is cleaned with water and instead dry-wipe them clean. Typically, the production
materials need to be cleaned with soap and water only once a week (Manary 2006).
The oxidation of fatty acids and some vitamins (vitamins A & C) can occur during the storage of RUTF and cause degradation of the product. It is imperative
A. G. Mtewa et al.
ment of necrotizing enterocolitis. Necrotizing enterocolitis is a severe condition
where a portion of the bowel dies. It’s common in preterm infants. Some probiotic
strains are present in mother’s milk in small amount and some are commercialized
product in which convincing data are available on safety and efficacy, can be recommended for medical use (Vandenplas et al. 2013).
European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
committee showed that probiotic-supplemented formula to healthy infants does not
raise safety concerns with regard to growth and adverse effects. However, administration of probiotic-supplemented infant formula during early life (≤4 months) does
not show any consistent clinical effects. Because of a lack of data on the long-term
effects of the administration of formula supplemented with probiotics especially the
effects persisted after the administration of the probiotic has stopped, the Committee
does not recommend the routine use of probiotic-supplemented formula in infants
(Braegger et al. 2011).
23.6 Safety of Ready-to-Use Foods
Ready-to-use foods (RUFs) that have been produced according to good manufacturing practices (GMP) with the application of the Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Points (HACCP) program are generally safe for consumption (Manary
2006; Osendarp et al. 2015). Quality control is of paramount importance during the
production of RUFs in order to ensure that the final product is free from contamination and of the desired quality.
Quality is built into the product rather than tested into it therefore robust quality
control measures and systems are necessary at every stage of the manufacturing
process. In the manufacture of RUFs, quality control measures are instituted to safeguard against contamination with aflatoxin and bacteria, oxidation of fatty acids and
errors that result in content variation (Manary 2006).
Aflatoxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus can contaminate peanuts after harvest before they have been ground into a peanut butter. This can be prevented by
storing the peanuts in a cool, dry environment and also by using chemical fungicides (Manary 2006). The maximum aflatoxin content in RUFs should be within the
range of 10–20 ppb according to international standards. Consumption of RUF with
high content of aflatoxin produces acute toxicities (CDC 2004).
Ready-to-use therapeutic foods are naturally free from bacterial contamination
due to the low moisture content of the products therefore care must be exercised to
prevent he introduction of water into the product during manufacture (Manary
2006). Potential sources of water during production include wet mixing bowls and
containers thus it is recommended to limit the number of times the production line
is cleaned with water and instead dry-wipe them clean. Typically, the production
materials need to be cleaned with soap and water only once a week (Manary 2006).
The oxidation of fatty acids and some vitamins (vitamins A & C) can occur during the storage of RUTF and cause degradation of the product. It is imperative
A. G. Mtewa et al.