Powdered infant formulas should be used in health care facilities only under which condition?

• A. Only when clinically necessary and no alternative commercially sterile liquid products are available
• B. Only for infants under 6 months
• C. Whenever formula is required, regardless of sterility
• D. Only in outpatient settings

Answer: (A)

Powdered infant formulas are not sterile and can carry pathogens such as Cronobacter sakazakii, which pose a serious infection risk to hospitalized or otherwise vulnerable newborns. In health care facilities, protecting these high-risk infants means prioritizing commercially sterile liquid formulas whenever possible. Powdered formula should be used only when there is a clear clinical need and no alternative commercially sterile liquid products are available. This approach minimizes the potential for infection while still meeting the infant’s nutritional requirements.