Los Portales S.A., a joint venture specializing in the production and commercialization of natural waters, has introduced a new security seal on one of its main products, Ciego Montero Natural Mineral Water. This change, effective since April 16, aims to ensure the product's authenticity by preventing the refilling of empty water bottles and selling them as originals, a common fraud in Cuba.
Rita María Piñera Crespo, Head of Marketing at the company, explained to Cubadebate that previously, Ciego Montero bottles had a laser marking system on the body of the bottle. Now, the new security seal is located at the junction of the cap and the ring, so when the bottle is opened, the numbering will break, preventing any possible tampering. The other laser marking remains, meaning the product now has a double seal.
"This way, we ensure that consumers drink quality water like Ciego Montero, which is spring water that meets international standards," said Piñera Crespo. She advised customers to always verify the authenticity of the cap and ensure the factory marking is intact to confirm the product is genuine.
She also noted that during a transition period, some bottles without the new security seal might still be found in the market, but these still have the previous seal and are safe for consumption.
In November 2022, Los Portales announced it would investigate the quality of Ciego Montero sodas sold in MLC stores following a complaint published by CiberCuba. "We are investigating the root cause of the issue in the affected batches. We haven't found a definitive answer yet and are sending samples for analysis in international laboratories with high-end equipment to identify elements in the recipe that might have caused the flavor change noticed by consumers," assured Elizabet Linares Urquiola, Quality Management Specialist.
Linares Urquiola reminded that the company provides channels on product labels for customers to report complaints and request information.
At the end of October, user Raquel Díaz reported the poor quality of the orange-flavored sodas she bought at a state store. Other internet users corroborated her words and shared similar experiences. "It tastes like anything, the closest is a purgative," wrote the woman, who paid 360 Cuban pesos for a bottle of orange soda.
However, in the information shared, she did not mention the batch number printed on the bottle, a crucial detail for tracking the product.
Los Portales S.A., a partnership between the Cuban Food Corporation and the Nestlé group, produces and commercializes mineral waters and sodas under the Ciego Montero brand. Its factory is located in Guane, Pinar del Río.
Understanding the New Security Seal on Ciego Montero Bottles
Here are some frequently asked questions about the new security measures implemented by Los Portales S.A. on Ciego Montero water bottles.
Why did Los Portales S.A. introduce a new security seal?
The new seal was introduced to prevent the fraudulent refilling of empty water bottles and ensure the authenticity of Ciego Montero Natural Mineral Water.
How does the new security seal work?
The new security seal is located at the junction of the cap and the ring. When the bottle is opened, the numbering breaks, preventing any possible tampering.
Will the old bottles without the new seal still be available?
Yes, during a transition period, some bottles without the new security seal may still be found in the market, but these will have the previous seal and are safe for consumption.
What should customers do to verify the authenticity of the product?
Customers should always check the authenticity of the cap and ensure the factory marking is intact to confirm the product is genuine.