Lots of different points here. Sort of mixing apples and oranges :-) 1. Ready to feed in the US is expensive, powder is not and after 1 mo of age pretty safe. WIC gives formula concentrate (1 can concentrate + one can water). Once can or bottle is open, it must be used, not same for powder (46 years ago I came home with a breastfed baby. Every time I thought about giving a bottle, I looked at the complimentary can of concentrate formula and realized to make one bottle, I 'd have to waste rest, so I picked him up and nursed him again, LOL. - however this is a downside for powder-always available in small amounts without waste.) 2. In US our water supply is safe. Having seen the water supply in rural Africa, I cringe at the thought that a baby would be given anything mixed with that, and they simply cannot afford formula in any form :-( 3. I would hope that HM fortifiers are sterile. Powder is cheaper to transport than heavier cans or botttles. and back to the once opened, must be used theory. Just some observations ...Pat in SNJ *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome