Infants and Food Safety: Powder Formula
DOWNLOADAugust 26, 2025 - Ghaida Batarseh Havern
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Handwashing and food safety are very important for babies. Food safety for babies depends on their parents and caregivers.
Handling
- Follow infant formula directions to prepare safely.
- Before handling, wash your hands using warm running water, scrub with soap for at least 15 seconds and then rinse with water.
- You must use clean, safe water when making If you are not sure your water is safe, ask the local health department or use bottled water.
- Only use the scoop from the formula container when measuring the formula.
- Measure the water first, then the formula.
- Mix the formula by shaking the bottle
Storing
- Once you mix the formula, use it within 2 hours, or keep it cold in the refrigerator (4 °C or 40 °F or below) for 24 hours or less.
- Store powdered formula in a cool, dry area and keep the lid tightly sealed.
- Always use by expiration date on package, or within 1 month of opening powdered formula.
Additional Tips
- Never use homemade formula, watered down formula, expired formula, or formula from questionable sites.
- Discard of leftover milk after feeding.
- Do not use the microwave to warm, it can be served without warming. If warming is desired, you can place the bottle under warm running water or in a bowl of warm water.
