Tube Feeding

Tube Feeding

What type of formulas may be used for tube feedings?

Tube feedings present a particular risk in regards to food safety. To ensure maximum protection for students, only commercially prepared formulas may be provided by schools for this purpose. No on‐site preparation of tube feeding formulas can take place in the cafeteria. All staff involved in tube feedings for students should be trained; training should be relative to their area of responsibility (i.e., properhandling, storage, and administration, etc.) for the feedings.

References:
  • Commercial Kitchen Standards, Child Nutrition Services, N.C. Department of Public Instruction http://dpi.state.nc.us/childnutrition/publications/foodsafety/commercial

Where should formula that is not procured by the Child Nutrition program be stored?

The school should provide a safe, secure storage area that corresponds to the manufacturer’s recommendations for storing the specific product. Most un‐opened formulas are not refrigerated during storage as refrigeration could change the viscosity and thereby decrease tolerance of the formula.
Storage in an area other than the cafeteria is recommended because North Carolina Environmental Health rules limit access to food preparation and storage areas to only authorized Child Nutrition employees. School personnel assigned to feed the student may need access to the product at a time
when the cafeteria is closed.

If formula is stored in the school cafeteria area covered by the North Carolina Department ofEnvironmental Health (NCDENR) Permit, the food storage guidelines in the North Carolina Administrative Code, 15A NCAC 18A .2632 Storage Spaces, must be followed.

References:
  • Title 15A, Subchapter 18A – N.C. Administrative Code, N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/rules.htm

Where should opened cans of formula be stored?

Once a can of formula is opened it should either be consumed by the student in one feeding or discarded. In order to minimize the risk of intentional or unintentional contamination, no opened cans of formula should be stored for later use. In addition, refrigeration could change the viscosity and thereby decrease the tolerance of the formula.

References:
  • Title 15A, Subchapter 18A – N.C. Administrative Code, N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/rules.htm
  • Commercial Kitchen Standards, Child Nutrition Services, N.C. Department of Public Instruction http://dpi.state.nc.us/childnutrition/publications/foodsafety/commercial