Processing technology for infant formula

Abstract: Infant formula products can be classified into two categories: powdered formula and liquid formula. The processing technology of both types of infant formula will be discussed in this chapter. The wet mixing-spray drying process used to produce powder formula is more complicated than the processing of liquid formula. It is, however, very important during liquid formula processing to keep a balance between the heat treatment, the control of chemical changes, and the loss of nutrients. For preterm and low birth weight infants, the formulation requires a special design to adapt to the special nutritional requirements. The allergenicity of infant foods could be reduced by treating cow’s milk proteins using enzymatic hydrolysis or high pressure coupled with heat treatment.