Despite denials from local Party and Government officials in Santiago de Cuba, the residents of the area have voiced their dissatisfaction on a television program regarding the gritty texture of the bread provided through the rationing system.
During a broadcast on the government-run channel TV Santiago, the governor of the eastern province, Manuel Falcón Hernández, attributed the complaints to the quality of flour recently supplied to the region. "In some areas, the issue is more pronounced due to the various methods bakers use to make bread," Falcón Hernández explained during the program, which also featured the first secretary of the Communist Party, Beatriz Johnson.
The governor assured viewers that the bread "poses no health risk," stating it has been evaluated by a commission. "This is the second batch of this particular flour, which is imported and has these characteristics," he specified. Despite his assurances, the public remains concerned about the taste, an issue Falcón Hernández did not address.
The gritty taste in the bread distributed by the government led a reader to visit the newsroom of Periódico 26 in Las Tunas at the end of May to report the situation. The issue has sparked considerable frustration among the province's residents, who see it as a sign of disrespect from the government.
Official explanations from the local Food Industry authorities indicate that the problem stems from a shipment of wheat from Russia that arrived in Santiago de Cuba in May. According to officials, the wheat contained a high level of impurities, which is difficult to entirely remove given the technological limitations of the Cuban industry.
In Guantánamo, authorities also denied the presence of sand in the bread despite numerous complaints from the population about its poor quality.
Understanding the Bread Quality Issue in Santiago de Cuba
Below are some questions and answers to help clarify the ongoing concerns about the bread quality in Santiago de Cuba and related regions.
Why does the bread in Santiago de Cuba have a gritty texture?
The gritty texture is attributed to the quality of flour that has been supplied to the region, which contains a high level of impurities that are difficult to remove with the current technological capabilities of the Cuban food industry.
What measures are being taken to address the bread quality issue?
Local authorities have stated that the bread has been evaluated and poses no health risks. However, there has been no detailed plan announced to improve the bread's quality or address the taste concerns.
Has this issue been reported in other regions of Cuba?
Yes, residents in other provinces such as Las Tunas and Guantánamo have also reported similar issues with the bread quality, indicating a broader problem with the flour supply.