Caracas, August 25 (NNN-RHC) -- On Monday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro issued a decree to strictly ban the exportation of products that are on the list of the basic diet of Venezuelans.

The decision is part of the package of measures taken by the government in an attempt to stop smuggling.

“All exportation of products of the basic diet of Venezuelans is strictly forbidden, because Venezuela does not export these foods. They produce them to be consumed,” said Maduro, adding that the decree also establishes penalties for violation of the decree.

As another measure to stamp out smuggling, Venezuela will install fingerprint readers in public and private businesses to prevent people from buying excessive quantities of essential items -- a practice that is linked to illegal exports of these products.