Microbial safety of donor human milk before pasteurization: seasonal, maternal, and procedural determinants

Key Points

• Microbial safety of donor human milk is significantly affected by maternal factors and seasonal variations.
• Higher contamination rates are identified during specific seasonal periods, with maternal health impacting results.
• Assessment utilizing donor human milk samples across various seasons highlights critical microbial safety concerns.
• Findings support the need for improved protocols to enhance the safety of donor human milk before pasteurization.