A Cuban mother has raised concerns about the quality of the powdered milk sold for children under two years old in some stores in Santiago de Cuba, sharing images that show the product curdling and forming clumps when prepared.
The woman reported that she tried to prepare the milk sold at the local store for her one-year-old child, only to find it resulted in an unusual consistency, similar to a thick custard. "Is this normal or is it spoiled?" she asked in the Facebook group "Bebés 2023 Santiago de Cuba."
Other Facebook users quickly responded, with many agreeing that the milk was indeed spoiled. "That milk is old; that's why it curdles," commented one user, while another suggested that, given the situation, they could try making cream cheese by adding salt to the clumpy liquid.
Yisel Terrero, another user, warned the mother to discard the milk: "Throw it away, mommy, it's no good. The milk is spoiled. My God, with the milk situation being so critical, it's a shame to waste it like this."
One mother was more direct, stating, "It's bad," while Yanieya Peralta suggested that the product might have been the last remnants in the store and therefore in poor condition. "They sold you bad milk (the last bit left from someone at the store). My baby's milk is good," she explained.
Another comment from Alayma Gonzales expressed outrage over the situation, noting that the milk she received for her one-year-old was also of poor quality: "My child is one year old, and they gave me that same milk, and it's no good. They're just throwing it out there."
The Cuban regime has struggled to ensure a steady supply of milk for children. In early March, the Cuban government requested assistance from the World Food Programme (WFP), seeking support for the supply of powdered milk for children under seven years old.
Concerns About Powdered Milk Quality in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the quality issues surrounding powdered milk in Cuba, based on the recent concerns raised by Cuban mothers.
Why is the powdered milk in Santiago de Cuba clumping?
The powdered milk is clumping because it is old and has likely gone bad. This can cause the milk to curdle and form an unusual, thick consistency when prepared.
What should I do if the powdered milk I purchased is bad?
If you find that the powdered milk you purchased is bad, it is best to discard it to avoid any potential health risks. Some users have suggested alternative uses, but safety should be the priority.
Has the Cuban government addressed the milk quality issue?
The Cuban government has acknowledged difficulties in supplying milk and has requested assistance from the World Food Programme to support the supply of powdered milk for children under seven years old.