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The quality of standard bread in Santiago de Cuba has once again become a source of outrage among citizens, who are reporting that the product provided through the rationing system looks unappealing and is of poor quality.
The independent communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared on his page images sent by a resident of Santiago, showing bread with an unusual appearance.
The complainant lamented the situation and expressed her frustration: “That's shameful and no one wants to deal with it”.
In an ironic tone, the person who sent the complaint closed their comment saying with a laugh: "It looks like they made it with marabou flour", referring to the invasive plant that has become a symbol of agricultural decline on the island.
The images accompanying the complaint show pieces of bread with an irregular appearance and poor quality. In one of the photos, a misshapen loaf is observed, with a brittle texture and a fragile consistency that suggests inadequate baking.
Another image shows an extremely thin piece with burnt parts, reinforcing the complaints about the poor quality of the product.
In a third image, the bread appears misshapen, with a dense texture and incomplete cooking.
As a result of the publication, numerous residents of Santiago confirmed in the comments that the issue is widespread in the city. "It's not a lie, they're ruining everything. I don't even feel like having breakfast," commented one user.
Another complainant added: "It's disgusting and has no weight at all."
In addition to the poor quality of the bread, citizens reported that the instability of the electricity supply affects production in several bakeries.
“When the power allows the bakery to do so, because in Antonio Maceo, they stop doing it all the time due to lack of electricity”, wrote a woman from Santiago.
Standardized bread is essential in the diet of Cubans, but in recent years it has faced ongoing criticism due to the low quality of the ingredients and shortcomings in its production.
Since 2023, Cuba has faced a significant shortage of wheat flour, essential for bread production. In June of that year, it was reported that Cubans were left without the basic basket bread due to the lack of flour, a result of a supply crisis that reached a critical point.
In February 2024, the Ministry of Food Industry (MINAL) announced that there would be severe disruptions in the delivery of bread from the regulated basket until the end of March due to delays in the arrival of wheat shipments. Authorities attributed these delays to financial restrictions and logistical limitations in bringing wheat from distant markets.
One of the alternatives taken by the government to address this crisis has been the reduction of the basic basket bread weight from 80 grams to 60 grams. The measure aimed to maintain the daily distribution of subsidized bread, albeit in smaller quantities.
In addition to the reduction in size, the quality of the bread has faced constant criticism. In Santiago de Cuba, for example, the poor conditions of the bread delivered to the public have been repeatedly reported, describing it as dry, burnt, and made from very low-quality dough.
The instability in the electric supply and the lack of fuel have also impacted bread production in various provinces, causing interruptions in distribution and forcing authorities to implement measures such as the sale of regulated bread on alternating days.
This situation arises amid an announcement made by the government in December 2024, stating that they would eliminate the Cadena Cubana del Pan as a national entity, with the aim of correcting "distortions" in the decentralization processes and improving the local management of bakeries and distribution points. However, this measure has generated uncertainty about its effectiveness in addressing the existing problems.
Despite government promises to stabilize the production and distribution of bread, the issues have persisted, highlighting the fragility of supply chains and the dependence on imports amid an economic crisis that has limited the ability to acquire essential raw materials.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regulated Bread Crisis in Santiago de Cuba
What is the current situation of regulated bread in Santiago de Cuba?
The quality of standardized bread in Santiago de Cuba has sparked outrage among citizens due to its poor and unappetizing appearance. Shared images show loaves of bread with an irregular and low-quality look, reinforcing complaints about the product distributed through the rationing book.
What factors contribute to the poor quality of bread in Santiago de Cuba?
The poor quality of bread is due to the shortage of wheat flour, production issues caused by instability in the electricity supply, and the lack of fuel. These difficulties have led to inadequate baking and a reduction in the size of standardized bread, impacting its quality.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the bread crisis?
The Cuban government has reduced the regulated weight of bread from 80 grams to 60 grams and has announced the elimination of the Cuban Bread Chain as a national entity. However, these measures have not resolved the issues of quality and distribution, which persist amid the economic crisis.
How does electrical instability affect bread production in Santiago de Cuba?
The electrical instability has forced the transfer of unbaked dough between bakeries and has impacted regular production. This has led to makeshift solutions, exposing the dough to environmental contamination and further complicating the bread crisis in the region.
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