A Cuban woman reported on her social media that the rice that arrived this month through the rationing quota was infested with weevils.
The woman, mother of three children, including a minor, showed on her TikTok account the nylon with the rice, where the insects can be clearly seen crawling among the grains.
"My sister just brought me the rice she got from the store; you all know that they haven't been giving out rice since December. Look at the condition it came in: all of that is bugs," she said.
"I can't understand how the rice that supposedly came on the ship could have that many bugs," she questioned.
The affected person, who identifies on TikTok as AZÚCAR DE CUBA, expressed that she will give the rice to her dog, but she wonders what will those with no other options do.
The art critic Jorge de Mello experienced the same situation when trying to cook the rice he bought at the grocery store, which had come from a donation from Venezuela.
"What a surprise we had when we opened the container and poured the rice into a bowl, as it was filled with weevils that, upon being exposed, tried to spread across the kitchen counter. We had to quickly bag the rice and throw it away immediately to prevent it from infesting other foods," he recounted on Facebook.
"We do not know if the insects belong to the national fauna or if they are native to Maduro's land, but what is clear to us is that this is another example of the disdain that Cuban leaders feel towards this suffering people stripped of their freedoms and rights," he emphasized.
Many Cubans remark that none of this is new, as there have always been times when the rice - and also the beans - from the store came with bugs.
They claim that these are products that the government keeps in the Army's reserve, and before they go completely bad, they take them out and sell them to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions about Infested Rice in Cuba
Why is the rice in Cuba infested with weevils?
The rice distributed in Cuba, especially that which arrives through the regulated quota, is often infested with weevils due to its prolonged storage in poor conditions. Many times, these products are kept in military reserves and are distributed to the population just before they completely deteriorate.
How does the quality of rice affect Cuban families?
The poor quality of rice has a negative impact on Cuban families, who rely on this staple food for their daily diet. The presence of insects and dirt not only threatens people's health but also increases frustration and discomfort in a context of widespread food shortages.
What has the Cuban government done to improve the quality of rice?
The Cuban government has faced criticism for its lack of effective actions to address the issues of rice distribution and quality. Although agreements have been announced to enhance production, such as with foreign companies, these measures have not led to significant improvements for the population.
What alternatives do Cubans have in light of the poor quality of rice?
Due to the poor quality of rice, many Cubans are trying to find alternatives in the black market or resort to more expensive foods, such as spaghetti or pizzas, although these have also increased in price. However, options are limited due to inflation and the widespread shortage of basic food items.
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