A resident of Ciego de Ávila took to Facebook on Thursday to report the purchase of a 200-milliliter juice intended for a child from a sales point on Abraham Delgado Street, previously known as a guarapería. The juice container displayed an expiration date of April 2026.
Lizandra Cabrera admitted that she hadn't checked the expiration date when buying the product, but discovered the issue upon reaching her destination. Before returning to the main store, she stopped by an adjacent shop—described as a type of butcher shop—where one-liter juice cartons were also being sold. Upon inspecting them, she found these too were expired.
The store attendant claimed the product was "good" and mentioned she consumed it herself. Cabrera clarified that the juice was intended for the child accompanying her.
"How long do we have to endure being treated and looked upon like animals? Where are the competent authorities that should ensure the people's welfare and health… Hygiene inspectors, where are they, not seeing this?" Cabrera questioned.
Several users shared similar experiences with other goods: moldy cookies, spoiled beans, and expired juices in various locations. An anonymous user mentioned her three-year-old daughter vomited after consuming juice bought under similar circumstances.
"Inspectors aren't here for that; what they care about is leaving with a full backpack or wallet," commented one user.
This incident arises weeks after a provincial inspection in Ciego de Ávila found violations in 61.8% of the inspected establishments, including the sale of expired food. Out of 2,165 establishments reviewed, 1,337 had irregularities. Authorities issued 1,141 fines exceeding six million Cuban pesos, temporarily closed 70 locations, and permanently revoked six projects.
This week, the closure of a suspected illegal sausage factory was reported in central Ciego de Ávila, and the previous day, there was news of the seizure of artisanal cheese being transported from Chambas to Havana.
In early October, a Cuban woman from Pinar del Río reported purchasing a can of condensed milk with dark spots.
Nationwide, Decree 167/2026 "On Domestic Trade," which has been in effect since September 4, 2026, explicitly prohibits the display and sale of products past their expiration date unless part of a commercial policy duly informed to consumers. Despite this regulation, citizen complaints about expired foods persisted in October, both in Ciego de Ávila and other provinces.
Frequently Asked Questions about Expired Products in Cuba
What prompted the complaint about expired juices in Ciego de Ávila?
A resident of Ciego de Ávila reported buying a juice intended for a child that was found to be expired, prompting concerns about food safety in the area.
What was the response from the store when the expired products were highlighted?
The store attendant claimed the expired juice was still consumable and mentioned she used it herself, despite the customer's concerns for a child's health.
How widespread are issues with expired food in Ciego de Ávila?
Inspections revealed that 61.8% of establishments in Ciego de Ávila had violations, including selling expired food, highlighting a significant issue with food safety in the region.
What actions have been taken by authorities regarding expired products?
Authorities issued over a thousand fines, temporarily closed numerous establishments, and permanently revoked some business licenses in response to the discovery of expired products being sold.