Soon to come to Venezuela's menus: empanadas de tofu

That is, if you can find tofu!

Because you sure won't be having any empanadas de carne:

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has threatened to nationalise stores that sell meat above a government-set price.

The government says supermarkets have been artificially boosting prices of basic foods by manipulating stockpiles.

But critics blame regular food shortages on prices imposed four years ago, forcing shops to sell at a loss.

Many privately-owned supermarkets have suspended sales of beef, milk and sugar after one chain was temporarily closed for pricing meat above allowed levels.

The government has already seized goods that it says are being hoarded to drive up prices.

Chavez controls the courts, the legislature, all branches of governemnt, the media, and now the food supply:

President Chavez told a gathering of pensioners in the capital, Caracas, that he was waiting for the "first excuse" to take over privately-owned outlets that manipulate prices.

Just another day in Cubazuela.

Update: Round-up at Publius Pundit