EVALUATION OF THE QUALITY OF INFANT FORMULAS OFFERED TO NEONATES

Nowadays, the use of food supplements is becoming increasingly present due to changes in eating habits. Thus, the inclusion of food supplements in the diet of children, especially newborns, has become increasingly necessary. Considering the fragility of the target population, it is important to conduct studies to evaluate the possible microbiological and toxicological hazards to which consumers are exposed. Therefore, samples of infant formulas offered to newborns in hospital units were analyzed. To attest to the quality of the products, microbiological and toxicological analyses were then performed. The count values obtained in this study are a reflection of product processing, choice of raw material, and handling during reconstitution. Although the samples analyzed were in compliance with the legislation, we emphasize the need for revision to include new contaminants potentially dangerous to the target audience.