The high incidence of diarrhoeal morbidity a the onset of weaning is due in part to consumption of contaminated food. This paper discusses the possible role of fermentation as a household food preparation technology in the improvement of the microbial quality of weaning foods as well as in providing adequate nutrients for infant growth and development. It discusses the extent to which fermented foods provide adequate nutrients; the degree to which fermentation can reduce the levels of aflatoxins, hydrocyanic acid, and other toxins in foods; whether fermentation reduces contamination of weaning foods by pathogens; and the role of fermented foods in reducing diarrhoeal morbidity, severity, and duration.
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