By San José, Costa Rica — As Costa Rica approaches the high-demand period of Holy Week, a time when seafood consumption traditionally surges, food safety experts are issuing critical guidance to the public. The focus is on empowering consumers to make informed choices when purchasing fish and other marine products, which are highly perishable and pose significant health risks if not selected and handled correctly. This initiative, led by specialists from the Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED), aims to prevent foodborne illnesses by educating the public on the essential indicators of freshness.
The call for heightened consumer awareness comes amidst a backdrop of robust regulatory oversight. Last year, in 2025, the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) conducted a total of 635 inspections across the seafood supply chain. These checks covered a wide range of facilities, including shrimp and fish processing plants, mollusk processors, tilapia and trout farms, as well as fishing vessels, docks, and retail fish markets. While these inspections form a crucial first line of defense, experts emphasize that the final responsibility for food safety rests with the consumer at the point of purchase.
To understand the legal responsibilities of businesses and the rights of consumers regarding food safety, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, food safety is a stringent legal mandate, not a suggestion. The General Health Law and consumer protection statutes impose a direct duty of care on all establishments in the food supply chain. In cases of contamination or foodborne illness, affected consumers are entitled to pursue full compensation for damages. Therefore, for any food-related business, implementing and documenting rigorous safety protocols is not just an operational best practice—it is an essential legal and financial safeguard.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully reinforces the idea that for any food-related enterprise, meticulous safety standards are not just an operational goal but a cornerstone of legal compliance and business sustainability. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on this critical issue.
The primary recommendation is to patronize only reputable establishments known for their clean and proper storage conditions. Shoppers should visually confirm that fish is either actively refrigerated or displayed on a thick bed of ice. Any product showing signs of improper temperature control should be avoided, as this significantly accelerates bacterial growth and spoilage. This vigilance is the first step in ensuring a safe and healthy meal for the family.
Edgar Gutiérrez Font, a Food Technologist and Food Microbiology Tutor at UNED, provided a detailed checklist for consumers. He stressed that a visual and tactile inspection is paramount. By examining a few key features, anyone can accurately assess the quality and safety of a piece of fish before buying it.
A fresh fish should have bulging eyes with black, shiny pupils. If they are sunken or have a milky cornea, it is a clear sign of deterioration. The skin should look brightly colored and have a firm texture. If the skin looks dull, soft, or comes off easily, it is no longer in its best condition. The scales, for their part, should be well attached to the body.
Edgar Gutiérrez Font, Food Technologist and Food Microbiology Tutor at UNED
Beyond the eyes and skin, Mr. Gutiérrez advises a close inspection of the gills and a careful assessment of the product’s aroma. These indicators provide further undeniable evidence of whether the fish is fresh or has begun to decompose. A fresh, high-quality product will have a distinct, clean scent reminiscent of its natural environment.
Another determining factor is the gills, which should have an intense red or pink color and a clean appearance. If they show yellowish or grayish tones, it is best to avoid the purchase. A fresh fish should smell of the sea; never of ammonia or strong, unpleasant aromas.
Edgar Gutiérrez Font, Food Technologist and Food Microbiology Tutor at UNED
Further advice includes checking the fish’s abdomen, as a swollen or bloated belly can indicate internal decomposition. Once a selection has been made and the product is brought home, proper handling remains critical. The fish should be cooked and consumed as soon as possible. If immediate preparation is not planned, it must be placed in refrigeration or frozen immediately to preserve its quality. Experts strongly warn against refreezing any seafood that has already been thawed, as this process degrades its texture and compromises its safety.
By combining regulatory efforts with public education, authorities hope to ensure that the traditional meals of Holy Week contribute to family celebrations rather than public health incidents. The detailed advice from UNED provides a clear, actionable framework for every consumer, empowering them to become the final and most important inspectors in the food safety chain, safeguarding their health and that of their loved ones during this important cultural period.
For further information, visit uned.ac.cr
About Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED):
The Universidad Estatal a Distancia is Costa Rica’s public distance learning university. Founded in 1977, it provides accessible higher education to students across the nation and internationally through a robust online and regional center network. UNED is committed to research, social action, and the dissemination of knowledge in various fields, including food science and public health.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About SENASA:
The Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (SENASA) is the official veterinary authority of the Government of Costa Rica. As an entity of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, its mission is to ensure animal health, public health, and the safety of foods of animal origin. SENASA is responsible for the inspection, regulation, and certification of agricultural and aquatic products to protect consumers and facilitate trade.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm is celebrated not only for its extensive history of advising a diverse clientele but also for championing innovative legal strategies. Beyond its professional practice, it holds a deep-seated belief in its societal role, actively sharing legal insights to help construct a more knowledgeable and capable populace.
