Socialist policies can't satisfy barbecue dreams in Venezuela

Strict food rationing policies and price controls continue to challenge Venezuelans like Maria Joya in the kitchen. "Arroz con Pollo" or "Carne Mechada" are a luxury on their dining table now. As the oil-rich country's devastating inflation pushed up meat sector prices, the socialist government started to enforce a price ceiling on beef and chicken. Now Venezuelan consumers can't find it at all. Yuca and plantains are their main dish. After the government forced butchers to reduce prices about 30 percent, the handwritten signs saying they were out of beef covered their refrigerated display cases. Aul Landai, a meat vendor at a market in downtown Caracas, said some haven't been able to stay in business.  "The butchers are the ones losing," Landai said. More…