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Summary
The German Paediatric Association
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Hospital Food Safety
- Infant Feeding Practices
Context:
- A follow-up survey assessed milk-kitchen practices in German and international pediatric and obstetric departments.
- Practices have remained largely unchanged since a previous inquiry five years prior.
Purpose:
- To evaluate current standards in central milk-kitchens within pediatric and obstetric departments.
- To identify areas needing improvement in infant food preparation and safety protocols.
Summary:
- Most pediatric departments (85%) maintain central milk-kitchens, with food prepared daily. Milk powder remains prevalent, while fluid formula use has slightly increased.
- Bacteriological controls for food and personnel are infrequent. Premature infant units widely adopt disposable bottles with UHT milk.
- Obstetric departments have largely discontinued central milk-kitchens, opting for direct fluid feeding, except when linked to pediatric facilities.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for stricter adherence to food preparation and cooling chain regulations in pediatric settings.
- Suggests aligning infant food handling in pediatric departments with national health ministry recommendations.
- Emphasizes the importance of regular bacteriological monitoring to ensure infant safety.