Microbiological quality of products used in enteral feeds

The microbiological quality of 19 commonly used nasogastric feeds and feed ingredients was determined. Thirteen of the products yielded no viable micro-organisms while six, all of which were powders containing milk or whey proteins, gave aerobic viable counts from 50-3000 organisms g-1. Possible microbial limits for enteral feeds are discussed with reference to those already suggested for special dietary products, infant formulas and non-sterile pharmaceuticals.