Shiva Adibi - Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Ali Ehsani - Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Asma Afshari - Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Abdolreza Norouzy - Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Saeid Khanzadi - Department of food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Ferdowsi Mashhad University, Mashhad, Iran
Maliheh Doustinouri - Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

INTRODUCTION: Microbial contamination of enteral feeding can result in a risk of worsening of the clinical condition of the patients, who are already weakened and susceptible to pathogens and severe infections, especially in immune suppressed ones. The aim of this study was to evaluate the total bacterial count of handmade blenderized enteral feedings in four hospitals settings in Mashhad, Iran.METHODS: In a cross sectional study, 24 noncommercial enteral feedings (NCED) were collected immediately after preparation and then homogenized and serially diluted on the same day. The samples were analyzed in laboratory to assess their total bacterial count.RESULTS: The results were compared with standard limits. 50% of samples in two hospitals had a total viable count lower than 10^4 colony forming units (CFU)/g (FDA standard) and in two other hospital samples, total bacterial count was same with colony forming unit (10^4).CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the sanitary quality of the enteral handmade diets is almost satisfactory, but implementation of hygienic practices and monitoring procedures during preparation and administration can be suggested.

Enteral nutrition; Enteral tube feeding; Enteral diet; Food contamination