In yet another example highlighting the dire state of supply systems in Cuba, officials in Cienfuegos have announced that milk intended for children aged 1 to 7 will be distributed without undergoing industrial processing. This decision follows a breakdown in the water pipeline supplying the Dairy Plant, as reported by the pro-government Facebook page "Las Cosas de Fernanda."
Since the milk will not go through essential pasteurization processes, it must be boiled promptly to prevent the spread of parasites and other health risks. "It lacks any industrial processing, so it needs to be boiled quickly to prevent parasite transmission and avoid curdling due to the milking, collection, and transport times," emphasized the page affiliated with the regime.
Challenges for Families Amidst Shortages
Families are now tasked with this responsibility, all while grappling with everyday challenges like fuel and electricity shortages—key elements needed to ensure the food safety of young children. This predicament once again underscores the structural failures of the regime in providing basic products in a safe and sustainable manner.
Temporary Solutions Fail to Address Root Problems
While authorities continue to propose temporary measures, citizens are left to deal with the inherent risks and repercussions of a system that fails to effectively meet the population's essential needs. Recently, Cuba's Minister of the Food Industry (MINAL), Alberto López Díaz, admitted that the government cannot provide the planned quantities of milk required for the regulated family basket because production targets are not being met in the country.
Without detailing the specific factors contributing to this shortfall, the minister pointed to the energy crisis as one of the main issues affecting milk collection from farmers. He explained that power outages disrupt the production chain, sometimes leading to the spoilage of the milk. "Often, the milk arrives sour because the cooling tank lacks power, delays occur in transport, or physical fuel is late. And when the raw material finally reaches the industry, there might be a blackout, affecting the product's quality," López Díaz elaborated.
Economic Strain on Citizens
Meanwhile, citizens are contending with exorbitant prices in the black market, which far exceed their already inadequate wages. This economic strain further exacerbates the hardships faced by the Cuban populace under the ongoing failures of the socialist regime.