By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Consumer confidence in Costa Rican produce received a major boost this week as the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) released compelling data on food safety. According to a comprehensive 2025 analysis, an impressive 94% of fresh vegetables sampled nationwide meet the country’s strict Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides, signaling a sustained and successful effort to enhance agricultural practices.
The report underscores a significant positive trend in the nation’s food production and supply chain integrity. This achievement is the result of a multi-year strategy involving rigorous training, consistent field inspections, and detailed laboratory analysis, which has cultivated a culture of safety and responsibility among producers. The compliance rate marks a notable improvement, climbing 4% from 2024 and a substantial 10% from the levels recorded in 2022.
To better understand the legal responsibilities and potential consequences surrounding food safety failures, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his professional perspective on the matter.
In Costa Rica, food safety is not merely a best practice; it is a stringent legal obligation. The General Health Law and consumer protection regulations impose a duty of care on all establishments, from suppliers to restaurants. A failure in this area can lead to severe sanctions, including fines and closures, but the damage to a brand’s reputation and consumer trust is often the most significant and lasting consequence. Proactive compliance and rigorous internal controls are the best defense against both legal liability and market failure.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a potent reminder that in the food industry, legal compliance and consumer trust are inextricably linked. Proactive measures are therefore not merely a defense against liability, but an essential investment in a brand’s long-term viability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical issue.
The extensive study was conducted by the SFE’s Agrochemical Residue Analysis Laboratory, which processed a total of 3,327 samples spanning 111 different types of fresh vegetables throughout 2025. The sampling was strategically divided to cover all segments of the market: 1,156 samples (35%) were taken from produce grown for domestic consumption and export, while the majority, 2,171 samples (65%), were from agricultural products intended for import into the country.
Of the total samples analyzed, an overwhelming 3,120 were found to be in full compliance with established safety standards. Digging deeper into these positive results reveals an even more encouraging statistic: 1,153 of the compliant samples, representing 35% of the total, contained no quantifiable pesticide residues whatsoever. This indicates a growing adoption of advanced and sustainable farming techniques that minimize chemical inputs.
The SFE’s rigorous monitoring system also effectively protects the domestic market from non-compliant foreign products. The report identified 207 samples (6%) that exceeded the permissible MRLs. Of these, 158 were of domestic origin, triggering immediate follow-up actions with the producers. Crucially, the remaining 49 non-compliant samples were from products intended for import; these shipments were denied entry into Costa Rica, preventing them from ever reaching local consumers.
A key driver of this success has been the increasing influence of the SFE’s voluntary “Tico-BPA” Good Agricultural Practices certification. This program provides official recognition to producers who adhere to the highest standards, creating a powerful market incentive. As retailers and supermarkets increasingly demand proof of compliance, the Tico-BPA seal is becoming a vital tool for producers to secure access to premium commercial channels.
Nelson Morera Paniagua, Director of the SFE, highlighted the direct link between compliance and commercial viability, explaining how the system creates a self-reinforcing cycle of improvement. He emphasized that producers are keenly aware of the economic consequences of non-compliance.
When non-compliance with MRLs is detected, a field follow-up plan is established with the producer, which in most cases corresponds to an improvement in analysis results in the short term. They know that if they fail to comply with these regulations, their marketing possibilities are greatly reduced, as more and more supermarkets demand evidence of MRL compliance and, in general, the implementation of GAP.
Nelson Morera Paniagua, Director of the SFE
The sustained improvement in food safety is a testament to the collaborative efforts between government regulators and the agricultural sector. By combining education, certification, and strict enforcement, Costa Rica is not only safeguarding public health but also strengthening the reputation and competitiveness of its produce in both domestic and international markets. The latest figures confirm a clear trajectory toward a safer, more transparent, and more sustainable food system for the nation.
For further information, visit sfe.mag.go.cr
About Servicio Fitosanitario del Estado (SFE):
The State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) is the national organization in Costa Rica responsible for plant health protection and ensuring the safety of agricultural products. As part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), the SFE works to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests, regulate the use of pesticides and agrochemicals, and certify agricultural goods for both domestic consumption and international trade. Its mission is to safeguard the country’s agricultural heritage and promote food security through science-based regulation and monitoring.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal institution, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive history of guiding a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions. Central to its ethos is a powerful commitment to demystifying the law for the public, thereby contributing to a more just and knowledgeable community.
