OBJECTIVE: This work presents an updated and broad documentation of current practices of blenderized whole food tube feed (BTF) handlers (n=40) in some tertiary (n=8) and specialty (n=2) hospitals in the National Capital Region, Philippines.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study

METHODS: Survey questionnaire and checklists which reflect processes and practices on BTF production were developed and pre-tested. These tools were then administered to 40 respondents from 8 tertiary and 2 specialty hospitals in the National Capital Region, Philippines. Observations were also recorded concerning BTF handling and administration as well as the sanitation of the preparation facility. The study further conducted additional interviews, and on-the-job observations with the same group of respondents in each of the test hospitals to validate survey responses and actual demonstration made in the documentation phase.

RESULTS: Not all of the participating BTF handlers were observed to follow even simple personal and workplace hygienic practices. Moreover, not all BTF handlers had previous exposures to food safety systems training, and all test hospitals have yet to establish hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) plans for BTF. The absence of accredited raw ingredient suppliers for the majority of the BTF facilities, failure to always wash raw materials prior to preparation, and the use of soft-boiled whole eggs were identified as sources of potential microbiological hazards. Total plate count was established to be as high as log10 7.19 CFU.ml-1. Ninety-three percent of the BTFs had plate counts exceeding the acceptable standard limit.

CONCLUSION: The microbiological quality of the BTFs analyzed was attributed to the observed poor hygienic practices, as well as the inherent microflora of BTF ingredients. Familiarity with good manufacturing practices (GMPs), good hygienic practices (GHPs), and HACCP is recommended to improve the microbiological quality of BTFs. The results of this work may be used as basis for advancing efforts to further improve BTF safety, especially that the country had just recently ratified the Philippine Food Safety Act of 2013.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Enteral Nutrition ; Feeding Methods ; Food Handling ; Hospitals ;

Objective: Mothers are exposed to various functional food components, including probiotics, which have a direct effect on the quality of their breast milk. Probiotics enhance the microbial composition of breast milk, making it more beneficial for the infant’s gut health. This study aimed to explore the extent of knowledge and dietary practices on probiotics among low- to middle-income healthy Filipino mothers in an urban area. Methods: Data was gathered using three focus group discussions (FGD) participated in by low- to middle-income healthy Filipino mothers residing in Barangays West Rembo and Rizal in Makati City, Philippines. Prior to the FGD, preliminary interviews of selected participants and market surveys were done to determine the food items to be included in the FGD questionnaire. Results: A total of 19 mothers participated in the FGDs. The most common probiotic sources identified were yogurt, fermented milk product (Yakult), miso and tausi. The most consumed probiotic source was fermented milk product (94.7% of participants), at least once a month; followed by powdered milk (78.9%), consumed daily. The most commonly reported influence for consumption of these food items was advertisements from television (89.5%). About 53% of the participants related probiotics to better digestion and increased immunity as heard from advertisements and through counselling by physicians. When asked to elaborate on how probiotics influence digestion and immunity, almost all participants had difficulty explaining the benefits. Conclusion Although majority of the participants consumed food sources of probiotics, they had limited knowledge on its other non-food sources and benefits. In addition, the consumed food source was confined to the food item that was most advertised on television. Thus, there is a need for health and nutrition experts to exert a stronger influence in the community by disseminating information regarding probiotics.
Probiotics ; Maternal Health ; Infant Health ; Infant nutrition