Cockroaches roam the shelves of a MLC store in Havana: "Fumigation urgently needed."

A store in MLC in Havana was reported on social media for having cockroaches on its shelves, revealing deplorable hygiene conditions despite the high prices it charges for its products.

Cockroaches in a store in HavanaPhoto © Facebook / Carlos Herrera Rodríguez

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Amid the scarcity of products in the foreign currency stores, there is one thing that is never lacking: cockroaches, which breed and roam freely, as evidenced by a recent post on social media.

Journalist Carlos Herrera Rodríguez shared an urgent appeal on his Facebook profile directed at the authorities: “To whom it may concern, please urgently fumigate the 70 market where payment is made in freely convertible currency; the shelves are filled with cockroaches. SOS.”

Facebook capture / Carlos Herrera Rodríguez

The most alarming aspect of the complaint is the shared image, which shows a cockroach crawling over packages of cookies, highlighting a serious health risk associated with consuming food exposed to these insects.

The incident reinforces a widespread complaint: while Cubans face shortages of food and basic goods, issues related to infrastructure and hygiene in the foreign currency shops remain an unresolved challenge for the government.

The message sparked outrage among users, who, with an ironic tone, questioned how these establishments, despite their high prices, could maintain such deplorable hygienic conditions.

Pedro Rafael Noa, for example, stated that "You can also buy them (the cockroaches). They are MLC cockroaches."

"They're precisely there because they're for sale. But don't worry, the public health inspectors aren't interested," Mayra Álvarez said ironically.

Miriam Socarras stated, "They have been part of the purchase for years."

"It's true, I just went and saw them, I greeted them. But they're not the worst. The real issue is the awful music that the employee plays, which he likes, while ignoring the audience," reported Doris Gutiérrez.

However, no matter how incredible it may seem, this is not an isolated case. Last May, a complaint circulated on social media showing that at the 3rd and 70 (MLC) market, "products infested with cockroaches" were being offered.

"This is the state of most of the remaining stores in Cuba. How disgusting! You know, the slaves have to wash the goods before consuming them," remarked a user named Violeta on the social media platform X, to warn about potential health risks for consumers of products sold in this place.

In Santiago de Cuba, the issue of cockroaches also came to light in one of the city's largest MLC stores: La Gran Piedra.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hygiene and Management in MLC Stores in Havana

Why are there cockroaches in the MLC stores in Havana?

The presence of cockroaches in MLC stores in Havana is a hygiene issue stemming from poor maintenance. This concern was highlighted by a journalist who shared images of cockroaches on food shelves. The lack of attention to sanitary conditions in these establishments reflects the Cuban government's inability to uphold basic hygiene standards, especially in a context of scarcity and high prices.

What is the impact of the lack of hygiene in stores in Cuba?

The lack of hygiene in stores in Cuba poses a serious health risk to consumers. The presence of pests such as cockroaches and the improper handling of spoiled food increase the likelihood of diseases. Furthermore, they reflect poor government management regarding food safety and public health.

How does the Cuban government respond to complaints about hygiene in stores?

The government of Cuba has shown an inadequate response to complaints regarding hygiene. Public reports, such as those about cockroaches in MLC stores, are often not addressed appropriately. This pattern of inaction is a recurring issue in other areas, such as waste management and public services, reflecting a lack of commitment to the well-being of the population.

What measures are being taken to improve hygiene in the shops in Havana?

No effective measures have been reported by the Cuban government to improve hygiene in shops in Havana. Complaints continue to go unaddressed, and the lack of resources and proper management exacerbates the problem. The situation requires urgent intervention from the authorities to ensure adequate sanitary conditions in commercial establishments.

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