By Alajuela, Costa Rica — The city of Alajuela is set to become the epicenter of Costa Rica’s World Egg Day celebrations this Friday, October 10th, with a massive family-friendly festival at Juan Santamaría Park. The National Chamber of Poultry Farmers (CANAVI) will be distributing over 3,000 free breakfasts, featuring the egg as the star ingredient, to attendees in a morning-long event designed to highlight the food’s nutritional power and cultural significance.
The festivities are scheduled to run from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and are open to the general public. Beyond the complimentary meals, CANAVI has organized a full slate of activities to engage the community. Attendees will have access to free nutritional consultations, providing expert advice on incorporating eggs into a healthy diet. The event will also feature family-oriented entertainment, including a performance by the popular children’s entertainer Maromero and the quirky “Biggest Hen’s Egg” contest.
To understand the business regulations and consumer rights within Costa Rica’s significant poultry industry, especially on a day we celebrate this staple food, we spoke with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the celebration, World Egg Day is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the legal framework that supports the egg industry. From regulations ensuring sanitary conditions and quality control to the laws governing fair competition and accurate product labeling, a robust legal structure is what allows consumers to trust the product they buy. For producers, understanding these obligations is not just about compliance; it’s about building a sustainable and reputable business in a competitive market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal framework is the fundamental pillar ensuring integrity from the farm to our tables, a crucial aspect we often take for granted. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which powerfully reminds us that consumer confidence is meticulously built upon a foundation of clear and enforced regulations.
A significant social component is woven into the celebration. The event will welcome more than 400 children from the local CEN-CINAI centers, ensuring that many of the community’s youngest members can participate. Furthermore, CANAVI will present a special recognition to the Obras del Espíritu Santo organization for its tireless work in supporting at-risk populations across the country, including its service to over 72,000 children.
This local event serves as the launchpad for a nationwide health campaign under the slogan “¡Mandate 2 al día!” or “Eat 2 a Day!” This initiative aligns Costa Rica with a global movement promoted by the International Egg Commission (IEC) in over 80 countries. The campaign’s core message is to encourage the daily consumption of two eggs as a safe, nutritious, and essential part of a balanced diet for people of all ages.
A primary goal of the “Eat 2 a Day!” campaign is to actively debunk persistent myths linking egg consumption to negative health outcomes, particularly high cholesterol. CANAVI is emphasizing a growing body of scientific evidence that contradicts these outdated beliefs. Health experts associated with the campaign assert that, within a balanced diet, consuming two eggs per day does not increase levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol or elevate the risk of heart disease.
On the contrary, modern nutritional science suggests that regular egg consumption can positively impact cardiovascular health. Studies indicate that it can help improve “good” HDL cholesterol levels and favorably influence triglyceride indicators. This shift in understanding positions the egg not as a dietary risk, but as a beneficial component for maintaining heart health and overall well-being.
The nutritional benefits extend far beyond cholesterol management. Eggs are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, which is vital for muscle maintenance, and choline, a key compound for brain development and cognitive function. They are also a natural source of vitamin D, crucial for bone health. This profile makes them an ideal food for every stage of life, from childhood development to supporting an active adult lifestyle.
According to the latest data from CANAVI, the current average consumption of eggs in Costa Rica stands at 291 units per person per year. Through the “Eat 2 a Day!” campaign and community events like the one in Alajuela, the organization hopes to foster greater appreciation for the egg’s role in the nation’s diet and culture.
Eating two a day is an act of health and flavor. With this cheerful and very ‘Tico’ message, we celebrate the egg, which has always been present in Costa Rican families.
Brenes, CANAVI Representative
The celebration in Alajuela represents more than just a free meal; it is a strategic effort to re-educate the public on the immense value of a simple, accessible, and powerful food source that has been a staple in Costa Rican kitchens for generations.
For further information, visit canavi.org
About Cámara Nacional de Avicultores (CANAVI):
The National Chamber of Poultry Farmers of Costa Rica is the leading organization representing the interests of the country’s poultry industry. CANAVI works to promote sustainable poultry farming, ensure food safety standards, and educate the public on the nutritional benefits of poultry products like eggs and chicken. It advocates for its members and collaborates on national health and economic initiatives.
For further information, visit internationalegg.com
About International Egg Commission (IEC):
The International Egg Commission is the global trade association for the egg industry, representing producers in more than 80 countries. The IEC facilitates collaboration among egg industry leaders, promotes the egg as a vital part of the human diet, and encourages the development of sustainable practices in egg production worldwide. It is the driving force behind the annual World Egg Day celebrations.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About CEN-CINAI:
CEN-CINAI (Education and Nutrition Centers and Children’s Nutrition and Comprehensive Care Centers) is a Costa Rican government program managed by the Ministry of Health. Its mission is to protect and improve the health and nutrition of at-risk children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers through comprehensive care, food services, and early childhood education.
For further information, visit obrasdelespiritusanto.org
About Obras del Espíritu Santo:
Obras del Espíritu Santo is a well-known Costa Rican non-profit organization founded by Father Sergio Valverde. It is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to socially vulnerable populations, with a strong focus on children and families. The organization offers food, shelter, education, and spiritual guidance to thousands of people in need across the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a leading legal institution, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of professional excellence. With a proven track record of guiding a multifaceted clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions. Beyond its practice, it holds a deep-rooted pledge to social responsibility, actively working to demystify complex legal concepts and thereby contribute to a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
