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Authorities in Las Tunas have promised to act with "rigor" against those responsible for diluting milk intended for children aged zero to seven with water, a situation that highlights the lack of control by the local government.
The regime spokesperson identified as Katy Baez reported on Facebook that, in a recent operation, serious violations in the quality of the milk transported to distribution points were detected.
When discovered by agents from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), the individuals involved attempted to dispose of the evidence by pouring the product along a stretch of road between Los Pinos and Becerra.
This case brings to light the ongoing complaints about the deterioration of the food distribution system in Cuba, where the adulteration of basic products is a common practice due to a lack of oversight and corruption within the state supply chain.
Despite the official discourse on the protection of children, shortages and the scarcity of essential products have made milk, a fundamental food in children's diets, a commodity that is difficult to ensure.
The authorities of the Communist Party and the Government in Las Tunas assured that drastic measures will be taken against those involved, although no details have been provided regarding the extent of the sanctions or specific actions to improve the quality of the product available to the population.
Amid a deep economic crisis, where basic foods are becoming increasingly inaccessible, Cubans continue to face a reality in which even child nutrition is not exempt from fraud and neglect within the state system.
Agricultural production in Cuba has experienced an alarming decline in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to newly released data in the Cuban Statistical Yearbook 2023, confirming the worsening food security crisis the country is facing.
The official indicators reflect significant declines in the production of essential food items such as pork, rice, root vegetables, eggs, cow's milk, beans, and vegetables, as noted in a tweet by economist Pedro Monreal.
Currently, ensuring the milk consumed by children has become one of the biggest headaches for Cuban families.
In December, the Ministry of Domestic Trade of Cuba (MINCIN) announced that it could not guarantee powdered milk for all children in the regulated family basket for that month.
According to the official statement, as an alternative, minors in some provinces would receive one kilogram of chocolate mix for breakfast, a measure that has generated strong criticism and questioning regarding the government's priorities and capabilities to meet the basic needs of the population.
That controversy intensified when powdered milk reappeared in dollar stores in Havana, sparking a heated debate on social media and in the daily lives of Cubans.
The incident occurred at the controversial store at 3rd and 70, recently opened in Miramar, where customers reported the availability of the product, although at inflated prices and under questionable circumstances, such as the suspicious repackaging of the product.
Frequently Asked Questions about Milk Adulteration in Cuba and the Food Crisis
What has happened to the milk for children in Las Tunas, Cuba?
In Las Tunas, it was discovered that the milk intended for children aged 0 to 7 was adulterated with water, highlighting the lack of control and corruption in the food distribution system in Cuba. Local authorities have vowed to act "rigorously" against those responsible for this act, although they have not specified the exact penalties.
How does the food crisis in Cuba affect the distribution of milk?
The food crisis in Cuba has worsened the shortage of milk, an essential product for child nutrition. Cow milk production has dropped by 37.6%, which impacts the availability of the product. Moreover, inflation and the lack of foreign currency complicate imports, forcing dependence on improvised and low-quality solutions.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address food adulteration?
The Cuban government has declared that it will take drastic measures against those who adulterated milk in Las Tunas, but it has not specified concrete actions to improve the quality and control of the food that reaches the population. Corruption and inefficiency in the state supply chain continue to be a significant problem.
What is the current situation of food security in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a severe food security crisis, with significant declines in the production of essential foods such as meat, rice, and milk. The lack of supplies, the deterioration of the state production system, and the energy crisis have worsened the situation, forcing the country to rely on imports that are complicated by the lack of foreign currency.
What alternatives does the Cuban population have in the face of shortages of basic goods?
Due to the scarcity of basic goods, Cubans turn to the informal market, where prices are exorbitant. The quality of the products is often questionable, which exacerbates the nutritional situation. The solutions provided by the government, such as low-quality substitutes, have not addressed the underlying problem.
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