Assessment of the current status of weaning food development - Guyana

Special evaluation, attached to a PES facesheet and another special evaluation (PD-AAJ-601 and XD-AAJ-601-A), covers the period 10/79-10/81 and is based on document review and interviews with project staff during site visits. During the project's first phase, the CEREX processing plant was operationalized. Retail distribution during the period 1/80-8/81 was on target (379 of a proposed 430 tons); no further promotional activities are needed. However, 150 mother/child health (MCH) clinics did not receive free distribution of 15%-20% of the product as planned. Implementation of this project component is urged. The quality of CEREX, consisting of corn, white rice, and soy oil, was found to be adequate and quality control effective although there is a need to maintain cooking temperature. CEREX is the lowest cost, highest nutritional quality food supplement on the market. To maintain product cleanliness, however, especially during Phase II phase outs of P.L. 480 Title II food assistance, it is recommended that either new raw corn cleaning equipment be installed or that indigenous raw food-stuffs arrive pre-cleaned. Indigenous products to be used in the new formula should be chosen by 9/82. Screens for the feed-in hoppers are recommended. Plant sanitation should be assured through appropriate cleaning equipment. Other key recommendations are to: (1) examine packaging alternatives to assure economy and product protection during shipping and storage; (2) maintain bag weights through checks on processing and bagging procedures and through vigilance for in-plant theft; (3) assure the availability of warehouse storage facilties and inventory retail levels in order to prevent lost consumption due to shelf unavailability; (4) survey the 700 retailers so as to assure profitability to merchants, availability to consumers, and a reduction in street black marketing; (5) raise the price of CEREX gradually to G$1.20/bag; and (6) have a certified public accountant evaluate actual program costs to provide a basis for further recommendations.