Pasteurization of Breastmilk

New research from California confirms the safety of pasteurized mother’s milk for HIV-exposed babies (Israel-Ballard, 2005). Two methods of heat-treatment, known as Flash-Heating and Pretoria Pasteurization, were compared to assess their impact on HIV and antimicrobial properties of breast milk, as well as on nutrient content.Milk samples were spiked with clade C HIV-1 (the sub-type found in areas of sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the highest prevalence of infection) and innoculated with common pathogens found in milk which may affect storage safety. 50 mL milk samples were then heat-treated by either method, using common household containers found in an ordinary home – a 1 Litre aluminium cooking pot containing 450 ml of water, and a 450 ml glass jar with a lid.