A highly sensitive product, such as the regulated bread that reaches households in Cienfuegos, is currently made with aged flour and is distributed on alternate days, as admitted by the Provincial Food Industry Company in an official statement.
The entity acknowledged on Facebook this Tuesday that the raw material they are receiving for the production of regulated bread “does not meet the acceptable standards for weight, texture, and taste,” as it is flour from aged wheat that has lost its essential properties.
"This has been demonstrated by the results of laboratory analyses and testing," the statement noted, detailing visible issues in the bread such as a rough and rugged crust, poor growth, changes in odor, and deterioration of flavor.
In light of this situation, and due to the instability in the supply of wheat flour, the authorities established a schedule for the regulated distribution of bread on alternate days across all municipalities in the territory.
The measure aims to "optimize the use of the available resource and ensure the least possible impact on service to the population," which, in other words, is an official admission that the regime is once again unable to meet even the most basic needs of the people, in addition to selling them a subpar product.
The company also assured that they are strengthening controls in the reception of raw materials and their use within the production process, although no date was provided for when this issue will be resolved.
The crisis of regulated bread has reached critical levels in several provinces of Cuba, with direct effects on the daily diet of the population.
In Camagüey, a complete halt in the distribution of the product at sales points is reported, leaving thousands of families without access to the most basic food.
The lack of supplies has forced even industrial production to halt, leading to a landscape of complete uncertainty among the residents.
Meanwhile, Santiago de Cuba is facing a persistent shortage that has forced state bakeries to operate at less than half of their capacity.
The population is forced to stand in long lines without any guarantee of being able to purchase the product, and there have been reports of bread deliveries with a deteriorated texture and taste. Local authorities have admitted that there is no short-term solution.
Similarly, in Guantánamo, the situation has led to extreme rationing, where bread is distributed only to individuals deemed vulnerable, such as elderly people living alone, pregnant women, or small children.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bread Crisis in Cuba
Why is aged flour used to make bread in Cienfuegos?
Aged flour is used in Cienfuegos due to the instability in the supply of wheat flour, which has resulted in the raw material received not meeting the appropriate quality parameters for the production of standardized bread. The scarcity of flour is a widespread issue in the country, affecting several provinces and deteriorating the quality of the bread provided to the population.
How does the shortage of flour affect bread production in Cuba?
The shortage of flour in Cuba has led to the suspension of bread production in several provinces, such as Matanzas and Santiago de Cuba, and has prompted a rotating distribution of the product in other areas. This situation has created a food crisis on the island, where bread is a staple in the daily diet of Cubans. Furthermore, the quality of the bread has significantly decreased, with reports of products that are poorly flavored and unattractive in appearance.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the bread crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented measures such as distributing bread on alternate days and reducing the weight of the product to address the flour shortage crisis. However, these actions have not resolved the underlying issue, as production remains insufficient to meet the population's demand. The regime has attempted to alleviate the situation by offering alternatives like caldosa and tea, but these are not effective solutions to ensure access to such an essential food item.
What is the current situation regarding flour supply in Cuba?
The only operational mill in Cuba is the one in Cienfuegos, which cannot meet the national demand for flour. The arrival of ships with wheat is uncertain and does not guarantee a stable supply for bread production. This situation has led to the implementation of rotating distribution systems and has severely affected the population that relies on subsidized bread for their daily food intake.
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