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A tragic poisoning with nitre salts shocked the Cuban capital over the weekend, following the death of a 5-year-old girl and her 24-year-old mother, while three other family members were hospitalized in critical condition.
The Revolutionary National Police (PNR) has clarified new details of the case, discounting that the toxic substance came from the informal market and indicating that the uncle of the deceased, aged 74, played a key role in the confusion that led to the poisoning.
According to the profile "Heroes of Blue in Cuba," associated with the PNR, the man, who works as a raw materials collector, had found a package of nitre salt and, mistaking it for regular salt, decided to take it home, which resulted in accidental consumption by his family.
Additionally, the authorities indicated that the uncle concealed relevant information during the investigative process out of fear of legal consequences and the impact of the case on public opinion, which caused misinformation in the early hours following the tragedy.
In a note published by the General Directorate of Health of Havana, the victims were identified as Doraima García Moroña, 25 years old, and Nashlyn Salet Hernández García, five years old.
Saltpeter, or potassium nitrate, is a chemical compound used in food preservation, especially in the curing of meats. Although it has bactericidal properties, consuming it in uncontrolled amounts can be extremely dangerous, leading to poisoning and even death.
This incident highlights the need to handle chemical substances at home with extreme caution and to ensure that potentially dangerous products are not mistaken for everyday food items.
Furthermore, this tragedy has highlighted the serious consequences of the salt shortage in Cuba. This lack has led the population to seek dangerous alternatives, such as the use of substances not suitable for human consumption.
For months, Cuba has been facing a persistent salt shortage due to logistical and transportation issues. This situation has forced many Cubans to purchase salt in the informal market or in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (Mipymes) at inflated prices, sometimes paying over 500 pesos for a package.
The shortage has been mainly attributed to the lack of adequate transportation means to distribute salt from the salt flats to the sales points. Although the country has a considerable production of salt, deficiencies in the transportation infrastructure have hindered its proper distribution.
Cuban authorities continue to investigate the case and have reiterated the importance of ensuring the quality and safety of the products consumed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nitro Salt Poisoning in Havana
What is saltpeter and why is it dangerous?
Saltpetre, or potassium nitrate, is a chemical compound used in food preservation, especially in the curing of meats. However, consuming it in uncontrolled amounts can be extremely dangerous, causing poisoning and even death.
How did the poisoning occur in Havana?
The poisoning occurred when a 74-year-old man, the uncle of the victims, mistook a package of nitre salt for regular salt and took it home, where it was accidentally consumed by his family. This tragic mistake resulted in the death of a mother and her daughter, and left three other relatives in critical condition.
What is the situation regarding the salt shortage in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a persistent salt shortage due to logistical and transportation issues. Although the country produces salt, deficiencies in transportation infrastructure have hindered its proper distribution. This has led the population to seek dangerous alternatives, such as the use of substances not suitable for human consumption.
What measures are the Cuban authorities taking following the incident?
The Cuban authorities are investigating the case and have reiterated the importance of verifying the quality and safety of the products consumed. However, the lack of information and adequate resources complicates the long-term solution to issues related to food security on the island.
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