There are no alternatives or replacements of powdered milk for children in Cuba, warns executive

La crisis económica en Cuba golpea la alimentación de los niños. Una de las principales preocupaciones de las madres es la dificultad para conseguir leche en polvo.

Regarding the issue and what's happening in the province of Sancti Spíritus, a manager spoke to the local radio station, making it clear that "there are no alternatives" and that the powdered milk that hasn't been distributed will not be replaced. 

In essence, the director of the dairy products company Río Zaza, Alberto Cañizares Rodríguez, explained He told Radio Sancti Spíritus that it's currently impossible to deliver the six bags of powdered milk per month that children under seven years old should receive in that territory. "The group gives us the allocation, and we distribute what they give us," he stated.

When asked about possible alternatives to the shortage, he was blunt: "We can't look for alternatives. The alternative is fluid milk, and those children can't be given it; it's medically prohibited. There are no alternatives to cover this shortage."

There are no alternatives to cover the shortage of powdered milk.

Cañizares Rodríguez stated, however, that "we're delivering every month, but it doesn't cover the entire amount of powdered milk, not even the six bags." In this regard, he noted that "importing powdered milk is expensive, and we face many obstacles." The leader stated: "People don't believe it, but the blockade does interrupt purchases."

And what about that unfinished powdered milk? Will it ever be replenished? The director of the dairy company also responded categorically: "There won't be any replenishment; the shortage won't be replaced." He also made it clear that they have "no other suppliers or alternatives."

Regarding the organization's actions to prevent poor-quality products from reaching children, he stated: "When they assign us powdered milk, it's processed, because we have to add ingredients, and the next day it's already being distributed. Laboratory tests are performed upon arrival and then after it's fortified." However, he said the company is open to any complaints about the products.