The cafeteria of the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy, once again, has made headlines again. Although on this occasion it has not done so because of its low-cost prices, as usual, but because of the type of breakfasts it offers.
The department headed by Yolanda Díaz has decided to bet on pastries, churros and porras; allocating 68,000 euros to the purchase of these foods, a choice that does not fit well with the dietary instructions of former Minister of Consumer Affairs Alberto Garzón.
In a document published this Wednesday with the Ministry’s specifications, the monetary sum allocated to each product is broken down: bars and guns (5,278 euros), butter croissants (4,162 euros), various mini pastries (422 euros), normal Neapolitans (228, 80 euros) and with chocolate (228.80). The chapatinas, of which 28,000 units have been purchased, represent the highest amount: 14,000 euros.
All of these products have been awarded, in a contract divided into two lots, to supply the cafeteria located in the building of the Nuevos Ministerios complex at Paseo de la Castellana, 63. The price at which they will be sold there is unknown, although what What is known is that, in addition to officials from the Ministry of Labor, those from other ministries have access to this cafeteria.
Frutícolas Ateca, a company based in Ocaña (Toledo), has been awarded this contract, which will end on March 20 when the products have been served.
“Well, you can imagine…”, says nutritionist Aitor Sánchez as soon as he hears our question on the other end of the phone. “It would be advisable for public awards or specifications to request health criteria so that breakfast is more nutritious or healthier,” he says, pointing out that given the Spanish population’s taste for industrial pastries, it would be most advisable for Work centers would offer products more in line with a healthy pattern. “You have a good opportunity here.”
Furthermore, Sánchez explains that the most coherent thing to do when making a collective purchase for an entire staff would be to look for fresh, seasonal raw materials. “In industrial pastries, palm oil comes from where it comes, as does cocoa… If fresh fruit were purchased there would be an impact on our closest social environment.” Something that farmers are denouncing these days in the streets, at tractor speed.
