An in-line connector for use in an enteral feeding system in-cludesa first component connectable to a first feeding device of the feedingsystem, and a second component connectable to a second feeding device ofthe feeding system. A releasable coupling is configured between the first andsecond components, wherein in a connected state the first and second com-ponentsdefine a fluid passage between the different feeding devices. Each ofthe first and second components includes a one-way automatic shutoff valveconfigured therein such that in a disconnected state of the components, theshutoff valve in the first component prevents flow out of the first componentin a first direction and the shutoff valve in the second component preventsflow out of the second component in a second direction that is opposite fromthe first direction.
