In a disturbing scene that has sparked outrage on social media, dozens of individuals were observed gathering boxes of rotten eggs on a street in Santiago de Cuba. This incident has raised serious health concerns due to potential sanitary risks. Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared images on Facebook showing citizens collecting these eggs, which were reportedly intended for disposal because they were spoiled.
According to the report, the eggs were meant to be discarded at the city's landfill, transported by trucks from the Ministry of the Interior and the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR). However, they ended up in the hands of private individuals who began selling them in various neighborhoods across the city. "People are taking the 'rotten eggs' by the box," the video caption warns.
Health Alert Following Diarrhea Outbreak
Just hours after the incident, Mayeta warned of a diarrhea outbreak in Santiago de Cuba, allegedly linked to the consumption of these spoiled eggs. While there were no reported cases of salmonella at the time of his announcement, several individuals exhibited symptoms of food poisoning, according to testimonies collected by the journalist.
Mayeta's report indicated that "the eggs were supposed to be discarded at the City Landfill by vehicles from the Ministry of the Interior and the FAR of Cuba," but the driver allegedly handed them over to individuals, claiming they were intended as animal feed. Nevertheless, these eggs were resold in neighborhoods such as Altamira and the José Martí District, despite many buyers noticing that "almost all were rotten."
"This has led to numerous people experiencing symptoms of food poisoning with harmful bacteria," Mayeta warned. In light of this situation, he urged the public to avoid consuming food of questionable origin and to prioritize their health: "Securing food is becoming increasingly difficult, but your health is more important than this moment."
Social Media Reactions
The incident has triggered a wave of comments on social media, where citizens expressed their outrage, frustration, and concern for public health. "This is unforgivable. Santiago de Cuba is hungry, and the eggs are left to rot. They should be held accountable," wrote one user. "With the hunger we face, they'd rather let them rot than give them to children," commented another.
Some reports also indicated that the eggs were sold at various locations across the city, from Altamira to the José Martí District, at low prices that aroused suspicion. "They were selling them for 70 pesos, but when opened, they had a terrible stench," a local resident stated.
Others directly blamed the Cuban government for allowing precarious food conditions to reach a hungry populace. "This is caused by hunger and misery. The government prefers them to rot rather than distribute them," another netizen accused.
A Recurrent Scenario
This is not the first time similar events have been documented. Earlier this month, a man was seen collecting ground meat from discarded boxes at a fair in Santiago de Cuba. Shortly after, a woman was filmed picking up spilled yogurt on the street.
In other instances, people have gathered beans from the ground, tomato puree, or vegetable oil spilled from barrels or trucks, highlighting the impact of Cuba's ongoing food crisis. In November 2022, dozens of people were seen collecting fallen eggs from a truck in Havana.
Chronic shortages, lack of supplies, and high prices have forced many Cubans to seek food in unsanitary conditions, despite the health risks involved.
Understanding the Food Crisis in Cuba
What caused the rotten eggs to be on the streets of Santiago de Cuba?
The eggs, which were spoiled and supposed to be disposed of at the city landfill, ended up in the hands of private individuals who sold them across the city.
Is there a health risk associated with the rotten eggs in Santiago de Cuba?
Yes, there is a potential health risk, as several individuals have shown symptoms of food poisoning, and there is a concern about a diarrhea outbreak linked to the consumption of these eggs.
How have citizens reacted to the situation on social media?
Social media has seen a flood of anger and frustration, with users criticizing the government and expressing concern over health risks and the mishandling of food resources.
What other similar incidents have been reported in Cuba?
There have been multiple reports of people collecting discarded food items, such as ground meat, yogurt, beans, and other essentials, from unsanitary conditions due to the ongoing food crisis.