The initial years of life are pivotal for robust development and growth. Consequently, it is essential that infant formula and baby foods meet high standards of microbiological safety, free of any chemical contaminants. This Special Issue is dedicated to addressing the processing challenges inherent in the production of infant formula and baby food, offering insights into microbial and chemical contaminants. The focus encompasses contamination risks posed by spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, chemical contaminants, exposure assessments, prevention and mitigation practices, and ongoing regulations, all contributing to the heightened awareness regarding the safety of infant formula and baby foods. By exploring the following subtopics, the issue aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with ensuring the microbiological safety and chemical purity of these products. Additionally, insights into processing challenges and regulatory aspects contribute to the growing awareness regarding the safety of these crucial products for infant development.
• Microbial contamination – Exploration of types of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms that can be present, identification of sources of microbial contamination along with prevention and control measures.
• Mycotoxins – Sources and evaluation of methods for detecting and mitigating mycotoxin contamination during processing
• Thermal process/Non thermal Processing contaminants -- Covers the different techniques used in processing, including heat-based methods and non-heat methods like high-pressure processing, Ultrasound, PEF or irradiation, challenges and potential minimisation of these risks.
• Environmental contaminants
• Pesticides and veterinary drug residues
• Food additives
• Migrants from packaging materials – Impact of packaging materials on the safety and quality of IF and baby foods
• Functionality of baby food components - address how various ingredients in baby food contribute to its overall nutritional and sensory characteristics, considering both their individual functions and how they interact during processing.
Keywords:
infant formula, Baby foods, Microbiological safety, Chemical contaminants, Contamination risks
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
The initial years of life are pivotal for robust development and growth. Consequently, it is essential that infant formula and baby foods meet high standards of microbiological safety, free of any chemical contaminants. This Special Issue is dedicated to addressing the processing challenges inherent in the production of infant formula and baby food, offering insights into microbial and chemical contaminants. The focus encompasses contamination risks posed by spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, chemical contaminants, exposure assessments, prevention and mitigation practices, and ongoing regulations, all contributing to the heightened awareness regarding the safety of infant formula and baby foods. By exploring the following subtopics, the issue aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with ensuring the microbiological safety and chemical purity of these products. Additionally, insights into processing challenges and regulatory aspects contribute to the growing awareness regarding the safety of these crucial products for infant development.
• Microbial contamination – Exploration of types of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms that can be present, identification of sources of microbial contamination along with prevention and control measures.
• Mycotoxins – Sources and evaluation of methods for detecting and mitigating mycotoxin contamination during processing
• Thermal process/Non thermal Processing contaminants -- Covers the different techniques used in processing, including heat-based methods and non-heat methods like high-pressure processing, Ultrasound, PEF or irradiation, challenges and potential minimisation of these risks.
• Environmental contaminants
• Pesticides and veterinary drug residues
• Food additives
• Migrants from packaging materials – Impact of packaging materials on the safety and quality of IF and baby foods
• Functionality of baby food components - address how various ingredients in baby food contribute to its overall nutritional and sensory characteristics, considering both their individual functions and how they interact during processing.
Keywords:
infant formula, Baby foods, Microbiological safety, Chemical contaminants, Contamination risks
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.