A resident from Pinar del Río has brought attention to the sale of allegedly spoiled condensed milk at a state-run store that operates in dollars. The incident was substantiated with photos showing mold both on the lid and inside the product.
Gisela Cascaret shared these concerning images on the Facebook group "Ventas Pinar" after purchasing a can of the brand Vacasa (TB Milk) for $0.80.
"I don't understand why there are so many inspectors for the private sector, yet the state sector seems to play by different rules," Cascaret stated. She pointed out that the product was set to expire this month and questioned why it was still being sold at a reduced price.
“They prefer to discount food when it's spoiled and expired rather than doing so beforehand,” Cascaret criticized.
The photographs reveal dark stains on the metal lid and visible formations inside the can. This post sparked numerous comments from users who questioned the quality control measures in place at state-run establishments.
Some participants warned about the potential health hazards of consuming such a product. "Eating this milk could be harmful; it might be mold or possibly rust from the can, which could be toxic," one user commented.
Others focused their criticism on the regulatory oversight of state commerce compared to private businesses.
A woman, who claimed to have previously worked in a state store, recalled that products nearing their expiration were once subjected to checks and markdowns before being removed from shelves.
Another former employee mentioned that there were protocols for making successive price reductions before expiration dates and for declaring unsold goods as losses.
Expired Food Complaints Amidst Scarcity
This incident comes just days after an inspection in Ciego de Ávila found violations in 61.8% of 2,165 inspected state and private establishments, including the sale of expired products.
Comments on the Pinar del Río complaint revealed similar experiences among Cubans, who reported encountering rancid butter, spoiled yogurt, weevil-infested pasta, and other expired goods in state stores.
The controversy also arises amid ongoing difficulties in accessing dairy products in Cuba. In June, Alberto López Díaz, the Minister of the Food Industry, admitted that the country couldn’t meet its planned milk supply, affecting over 100,000 children.
Issues with the sale of soon-to-expire products are not new. In 2022, CIMEX publicly acknowledged the sale of goods past or nearing their expiration dates amid the nation's enduring shortages.
Understanding Food Quality Concerns in Cuban State Stores
What was found in the condensed milk purchased in Pinar del Río?
The condensed milk was reportedly in poor condition, with mold visible on the lid and inside the can.
How did the public react to the quality of state-sold products?
The incident led to numerous comments criticizing the quality control in state-run stores and warnings about health risks associated with consuming expired products.
What broader issues does this incident highlight?
The situation underscores ongoing challenges with food safety, regulatory oversight, and the scarcity of dairy products in Cuba.