Which of the following is a contamination point in enteral feeding with human milk?

• A. Milk expression
• B. Milk storage
• C. Preparation and mixing of ingredients
• D. Assembling and handling feeding systems

Answer: (A)

Contamination can begin at the moment milk is first collected. During expression, milk is exposed to hands, pumps, collection containers, and surrounding surfaces. If hand hygiene is inadequate or the equipment and containers aren’t properly cleaned and sterilized, bacteria can be introduced directly into the milk before it’s stored or used. This makes milk expression the crucial contamination point to address.

While storage, preparation and mixing, and assembling and handling feeding systems can also contribute to contamination if not performed with strict aseptic technique (for example, improper temperatures, cross-contamination, or dirty equipment), the initial breach typically occurs during expression, so controlling hygiene at that step is essential to minimize risk throughout the feeding process.