Venezuela rolls out new plan to keep shelves stocked

Call it fingerprints for food. In the latest effort to keep shelves stocked in Venezuela, the government on Tuesday will begin registering the biometric information of customers who use state-run grocery stores.

President Nicolas Maduro says the measure will prevent hoarding and help keep price-controlled food from being resold for a profit on the black market. Food Minister Felix Osorio said those who sign up for the program by registering their fingerprints will be eligible for discounts and prizes.

But critics warn that the scheme - which is not mandatory for the moment - will be one more way for the state to keep tabs on the population, or may be a precursor to rationing.

Prizes?