The use of blenderised enteral nutrition formula (ENF) is on the increase globally. However, concerns remain regarding the microbial quality and safety of blenderised ENF compared with standard recommendations and commercial ENF.
Aim: This was a systematic review which sought to compare the microbial quality of blenderised ENF and commercial ENF and to evaluate the effect of storage time on blenderised ENF.
Method: Four databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, PSYCInfo and Google scholar) were searched for relevant articles based on the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes framework.
Results: Eleven studies which met the criteria were included in the systematic review. Two major areas were identified; Microbial Quality of Blenderised ENF versus Commercial ENF; and The Effect of Storage Time on Microbial Quality of Blenderised ENF. Overall, 72.7% of the studies showed microbial contamination in blenderised ENF compared with 57.1% of commercial ENF, and the storage time was another important factor in the rates of contamination. The extent of handling or manipulation of the enteral formula was critical in determining the level of contamination.
Conclusion: Preparation techniques for blenderised ENF need to be established and caregivers taught how to prepare and administer it appropriately in order to reduce contamination. Further, well-designed studies are required, which compare the microbial quality of blenderised ENF using adequate handling techniques and commercial ENF.
Keywords: aerobic plate count; blenderised enteral nutrition formula; coliform; enteral nutrition formula; microbial quality; microbial safety.