By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – From September 24th to 26th, 2025, Costa Rica played host to a pivotal regional seminar focusing on the European Union’s import requirements for animal-origin foods. Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari, the seminar formed part of the European Commission’s “Better Training for Safer Food” (BTSF) program, coordinated by the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE).
The seminar brought together officials from the competent authorities of 21 countries across Central America and the Caribbean. The training aimed to bolster their understanding of the EU’s stringent food safety control systems governing the production and trade of animal products. The program included a mix of technical sessions, hands-on exercises, and best-practice sharing designed to smooth the path for access to the lucrative European market.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal ramifications surrounding food safety, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Food safety regulations in Costa Rica are multifaceted, encompassing everything from production and processing to distribution and sale. Businesses must be diligent in adhering to these standards, not only to avoid sanctions, which can include fines and business closures, but also to uphold their ethical responsibility to consumers. The legal landscape is constantly evolving, so staying informed about current regulations is crucial for mitigating risk and ensuring the well-being of the public.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on the dynamic nature of food safety regulations is particularly insightful. For businesses navigating this complex landscape, continuous learning and adaptation are essential not only for legal compliance but also for building and maintaining consumer trust, a cornerstone of success in Costa Rica’s vibrant food industry. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective on a crucial issue.
Costa Rican Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Víctor Carvajal Porras, emphasized the significance of the event.
This is an invaluable opportunity for our technicians and producers to strengthen their capacities, deepen their understanding of the demands of the European market, and continue positioning Costa Rica as a benchmark in food safety and quality. Traceability, as one of the main requirements to access these markets, is already being adopted by many of our producers, which demonstrates the sector’s commitment. Hosting this seminar is also a recognition of the country’s commitment to the highest sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
Víctor Carvajal Porras, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock
Pierre-Louis Lempereur, EU Ambassador to Costa Rica, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the EU’s commitment to international cooperation and enhanced food safety standards.
This seminar reflects the European Union’s commitment to international cooperation, the improvement of food safety standards, and the strengthening of technical capacities for the benefit of our citizens and fair and safe trade. During this week, you will be in excellent hands, with highly experienced European experts, with whom you will have the opportunity to delve into the control systems that govern the production and marketing of animal products in the European Union.
Pierre-Louis Lempereur, EU Ambassador to Costa Rica
The seminar attracted representatives from a wide range of countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and host nation Costa Rica.
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) also participated, further enhancing the collaborative nature of the event. A delegation of Costa Rican animal product producers were also present, gaining firsthand insights into EU market requirements and networking with regional counterparts.
The seminar represents a significant investment in the future of food safety and trade within the region. By fostering technical expertise and promoting adherence to international standards, the initiative aims to strengthen regional economies and ensure the safe and efficient flow of goods to the global market.
The focus on traceability is particularly important. As global supply chains become increasingly complex, the ability to track products from farm to table is essential for maintaining consumer confidence and responding effectively to any safety concerns. The seminar provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building in this critical area.
This type of initiative strengthens the technical preparedness of the countries in the region, encourages international trade and promotes continuous improvement in food safety standards.
For further information, visit ec.europa.eu
About European Commission:
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the EU. It represents the interests of the EU as a whole.
For further information, visit the nearest office of DG SANTE
About DG SANTE:
The Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) is a department of the European Commission responsible for EU policy on food safety and public health. Its mission is to ensure a high level of protection of human health, animal health, and plant health within the EU.
For further information, visit iica.int
About Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA):
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is a specialized agency of the Inter-American System that promotes agricultural development and rural well-being in the Americas. It provides technical cooperation, training, and knowledge management services to its member countries.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is woven into its fabric, evident in its proactive approach to sharing legal knowledge and resources. Through this dedication to transparency and education, Bufete de Costa Rica fosters a more just and informed society, solidifying its position as a leader in both legal practice and civic responsibility.
