Practice Guidelines for Preoperative Fasting and the Use of Pharmacologic Agents to Reduce the Risk of Pulmonary Aspiration:
Application to Healthy Patients Undergoing Elective Procedures
A Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists
1999

Ingested Material Minimum Fasting Period
Clear liquids  2 h
Breast milk 4 h
Infant formula 6 h
Non-human milk  6h
Light meal  6h
Table 1. Summary of Fasting Recommendations to Reduce the Risk of Pulmonary Aspiration
  • These recommendations apply to healthy patients who are undergoing elective procedures. They are not intended for women in labor.
  •  Following the guidelines does not guarantee a complete gastric emptying has occurred.
  • The fasting periods noted above apply to all ages.
  • Examples of clear liquids include water, fruit juices without pulp, carbonated beverages, clear tea, and black coffee.
  • Since non-human milk is similar to solids in gastric emptying time, the amount ingested must be considered when determining an appropriate fasting period.
  • A light meal typically consists of toast and clear liquids. Meals that include fried or fatty foods or meat may prolong gastric emptying time. Both the amount and type of foods ingested must be considered when determining an appropriate fasting period.