USAID's Infant & Young Child Nutrition Project
Processing Handbook for ProKal Products
Summary: This handbook describes and presents guidelines for the manufacture and handling of three supplementary food products developed by the IYCN project for vulnerable populations in Zambia, or for production in Zambia and distribution to countries in the region with similar vulnerable populations. The three supplementary food products—ProKal 629, ProKal 10224, and ProKal P2L—have been developed as supplementary foods for, respectively, (1) HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women, who are being reached via antenatal care or prevention-of-mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services, (2) their children 6 to 24 months of age, and (3) other orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) 6 to 24 months of age. All of the ProKal products are supplementary foods intended to be used by the target beneficiaries in addition to their regular diet to meet their energy and nutrient needs.
The ProKal products meet the following criteria: (1) they include a high percentage of raw materials available in Zambia and thus minimize imports; (2) they can be produced by processing facilities within Zambia at the desired quality and safety level and in the desired quantities; (3) their formulations are nutritionally balanced and meet the specific nutrient requirements of the three target beneficiary groups, and are palatable, appealing, and easy to prepare at minimal cost in the home.