Packaging materials commonly used include plastic, paper with an internal covering of plastic cellophane, or closed paper boxes. These could be carried out for periods of two to four months in schools or other institutions or directly in households. Once the above problems have been solved, methods of production should be established. If the materials are already processed, the production operation will involve only mixing and packaging. On the other hand, if the products are not fully processed, or are still raw, processing must be carried out.
Various options are available.
There are various other possibilities, depending on specific situations. For example, if one of the ingredients is raw it can be roasted and then ground, or extruded and ground and then mixed with the already processed ingredients. Table 6 illustrates processing and marketing of some successful products. The investment in processing is one of the most important considerations for developing weaning foods in developing countries because of the high cost. However, alternatives are available.