Newswise — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced this week (on August 15) that passengers or infants will no longer be asked to test or taste formula or breast milk in bottles at domestic airport security checkpoints. Also, security officers will not test or taste formula or breast milk. In response, the International Formula Council (IFC) stated its full support for this essential revision to the new security procedures and noted it is critical that airport security officers comply with these admonitions very strictly.
Last week, in conjunction with raising the threat level to "high" for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States, the TSA had reported that unopened cans of formula would not be opened at security checkpoints but that already-prepared bottles of formula would need to be opened and tasted by the traveling adult. The infant formula industry became immediately concerned that if an adult was forced to remove the nipple from a bottle and sip from it then bacteria might be introduced into the bottle. Also, if an adult was instructed to open a sealed container of formula and then the liquid was not kept refrigerated, it would not be usable after one hour.
"The revision to the initial TSA security precaution was necessary for the health of babies and toddlers. Parents in general do their very best to follow important instructions for the safe preparation and handling of formula, and they need to be assured that the safety of infant formula will not be compromised during the airport security process," says Mardi Mountford, IFC's executive vice president.
The IFC remains concerned that a conscientious security officer may err on the side of caution by still requiring tasting or opening of baby formula, and not realize they may be putting infants at risk as a result. As a result, IFC has asked TSA to re-issue the advisory to its personnel about the new security procedures affecting traveling with formula and breast milk, and to utilize other means to educate security personnel in this regard.
The Council's letter requests that TSA train security personnel about the possible risks of an adult drinking out of the baby's bottle and then feeding it to the baby. The letter states, "Proper hygiene, preparation, dilution, use and storage are important when preparing infant formula. It is imperative that parents' safe preparation practices not be impaired as part of the security check procedures."
In light of the increased security and desire to keep passengers safe, IFC has issued guidelines for traveling parents and caregivers to keep formula safe. "When you prepare your baby's bottle, take the few extra minutes to make sure the formula is as safe as it is nutritious," says Mountford.
Most important, due to variability in temperature and sanitation conditions, a conservative guideline for the use of unrefrigerated infant formula is suggested. Formula that has been opened or prepared, but has not been offered to the baby, should be used within two hours. Formula from a bottle that has been partially fed should be used within one hour.
The IFC's guidelines for "Traveling with Infants: Keeping Formula Safe and Sound" include:
1. In the baby bottle " think one day after preparation. Once a baby bottle is prepared with formula, if not used right away, refrigerate immediately and then use the bottle within 24 hours of preparation. But check the product label " some prepared formulas can be refrigerated for even longer than 24 hours if stated on the label.2. In the formula container (bottle or can) " think two days for liquid after opening, one month for powder. For ready-to-feed or concentrated liquid formula, recap the bottle or cover the opened can with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil, refrigerate it and then use within 48 hours of opening (or according to the product label). Do not store cans of powdered infant formula in the refrigerator. Instead, store them covered, in a cool, dry place and use within one month after opening.3. Cool it. Prepared bottles or opened containers of liquid formula that have not been used should not be left at room temperature (unchilled) for more than two hours. Pack prepared bottles in insulated bags, to keep the formula chilled until you use it at the airport or on the plane. It's a good idea to carry purchased bottles or cans of ready-to-feed formula for extended trips. These do not require refrigeration until they are opened. Also, powdered formula can be prepared at the airport or in-flight using bottled water (not tap water) that is at least as warm as room temperature (no need to boil it).4. Use it or lose it. Throw out any formula left in the bottle within one hour after feeding begins. (Bacteria that are naturally present in the baby's saliva can transfer into the formula and grow rapidly in the nutrient-rich product.) When you get to your destination, don't reheat the formula in a bottle that your baby did not finish. This leftover is not meant to be reheated.5. Don't taste or test. If U.S. airport security personnel ask you to taste the formula in your baby's bottle, ask to speak to a security manager immediately. This is a violation of TSA procedures. And if traveling outside the U.S., check with your airline in advance about security procedures in specific countries. If tasting is required, do not drink directly from the baby's bottle. Instead, pour some of the formula into another cup to taste. Recap the baby's bottle immediately and use within two hours.
The latest airport security procedures state that while airline passengers still may not carry liquids or gels in their carry-on luggage, some medications and other liquids such as infant formula will be allowed through security checkpoints.
TSA has announced that passengers may carry small amounts of baby formula, prescription and non-prescription medications and solid cosmetics like deodorant and lip balm. The baby formula, or breast milk in a bottle, will be allowed in carry-on baggage if it is in a small container and the baby or toddler is traveling with the adult.
To get through security checkpoints, juice is not permitted nor are other liquids. Canned, jarred or processed baby food is permitted in carry-on luggage. Also, gel or liquid-filled teethers are acceptable. Passengers are encouraged to travel with only as much formula, breast milk or baby food as is needed to reach their destination. Additional supplies can be packed in luggage that is checked with the airline.
More information about the TSA procedures is available at http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm. The complete IFC guidelines, "Traveling with Infants: Keeping Formula Safe and Sound," and other instructions for preparation and handling of infant formula are available at http://www.infantformula.org.
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