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Citizens of Santiago de Cuba reported on social media that the ground beef distributed to children as part of the family basket, following Hurricane Melissa, was in poor condition and showing signs of spoilage.
Complaints arose on the Facebook page of TVSantiago, where the official media reported that products were being distributed to the population in the province, “prioritizing infants, pregnant women, and those over 65 years of age,” as part of the distribution through warehouses. According to the post, “milk for pregnant women and children between 0 and 6 years, chicken, and ground meat for pregnant women, as well as to children up to 13 years old and to those over 65” had already been delivered.
In the comments, several users claimed that the meat products arrived in poor condition. “My question is who checked the quality of the ground meat given to the children, because at least the one that arrived here at the Abel Santamaría distribution was already spoiled, not even animals would eat that,” wrote one internet user. Another person stated: “The ground meat for the children from 0 to 6 is spoiled, how long will this blackmail continue?” while a third added that “just like the one that arrived at micro 9, it was almost in bad condition.”
From the Segundo Frente municipality, another user claimed that "the ground meat for the children was spoiled, and it was sold that way," and she stated that "it is the responsibility of those in charge of public health to prevent the barbarity of selling something rotten, especially for children."
In the same comments, other citizens also questioned the exclusion of the rest of the population in the food distribution, asking “do the others not eat?” or “what are the people aged 14 to 64 doing?” There were also criticisms regarding the lack of basic products and the inequality in distribution following the cyclone's passage.
A user referenced, in an ironic tone, the recent visit of Miguel Díaz-Canel to communities affected by Hurricane Melissa, where the leader assured that "no one will be left unsupported." The phrase, spoken during his tour of Río Cauto, was echoed to question official promises in light of food shortages and the poor conditions of the delivered products. Díaz-Canel visited Río Cauto and promised that "no one will be left unsupported," although the situation described by residents of Santiago de Cuba paints a very different picture.
The publication from TVSantiago emphasized that ensuring food products "after the passage of the weather event is a priority in the province" and that the distribution of oil and grains is expected in the upcoming stages. However, the complaints contrast with that statement and reflect societal discontent regarding the lack of quality control and the ongoing scarcity.
After Hurricane Melissa, provincial authorities began the distribution of food and special diets, prioritizing children, pregnant women, and individuals over 65 years old, according to available official information. However, the lack of refrigeration and the logistical collapse following power outages have increased the risk of spoilage for perishable goods, a situation that escalates tensions in Eastern Cuba.
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