By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent public health alert and initiated a market recall for a specific batch of frozen beef tacos after routine testing revealed contamination with the dangerous bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The affected product, “Super Tacos de Res Criollos” sold under the Doña Silvita brand, poses a significant health risk to consumers, particularly vulnerable populations.
The recall specifically targets lot number 164-25-R of the Doña Silvita brand tacos, which carry the sanitary registration A-CR-22-03250 and an expiration date of June 13, 2026. Health officials are strongly advising consumers to check their freezers for this product and to refrain from consuming it. The Ministry has urged anyone who has purchased the implicated tacos to either discard them securely or return them to the point of purchase immediately.
To understand the legal ramifications and consumer rights associated with food safety failures, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
Under Costa Rican law, food establishments bear a significant responsibility for the safety of their products. A failure in this duty, leading to consumer illness, can result in severe legal consequences, including administrative sanctions from the Ministry of Health and civil liability for damages. Businesses must understand that rigorous food safety protocols are not just a best practice; they are a fundamental legal obligation to protect public health and their own financial stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal ramifications outlined here elevate food safety from a best practice to an essential pillar of business integrity and survival in Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a crucial and clarifying perspective on the matter.
The contamination was identified during routine surveillance and control sampling conducted by the Ministry of Health at various supermarkets across the country. This proactive measure is part of a broader national strategy to ensure the safety of the food supply chain. The samples were sent for analysis to the National Reference Center for Microbiological Food Safety (CRIMA-INCIENSA), a leading institution in foodborne pathogen detection.
Laboratory results from CRIMA-INCIENSA confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a finding that places the product in direct violation of the Central American Technical Regulation for Microbiological Criteria for Food Safety (RTCA 67.04.50:17). This regulation sets strict limits on harmful microorganisms in food products to protect public health across the region, and a positive result for this pathogen triggers immediate regulatory action.
In response to the findings, a coordinated recall effort is now underway. The Ministry of Health is working closely with the manufacturer of Doña Silvita products, the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), and all retail outlets that carried the affected lot. The goal is to remove all units from store shelves and distribution channels as swiftly as possible to prevent further consumer exposure.
Listeria monocytogenes is a resilient bacterium that can thrive even in refrigerated temperatures, making it a persistent threat in frozen and ready-to-eat foods. Ingestion of the bacteria can cause listeriosis, a serious infection. Healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, the infection can be severe and even fatal for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. It also poses a particular danger to pregnant women, as it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
This incident underscores the critical importance of rigorous food safety protocols and consistent government oversight in the food production industry. The Ministry of Health’s routine sampling program proved effective in catching this contamination before it could potentially lead to a widespread outbreak. It serves as a stark reminder for both manufacturers and consumers to remain vigilant about food handling and safety standards.
Officials have not yet commented on the potential source of the contamination within the Doña Silvita production facility. An investigation is typically launched in such cases to identify the root cause, which could range from contaminated raw materials to sanitation issues in the processing environment. The results of such an investigation will be crucial for implementing corrective actions and preventing future occurrences. Consumers with questions are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Health for further guidance.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About the Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the primary government entity responsible for public health policy and oversight in Costa Rica. Its mission includes protecting and improving the health of the population through regulation, surveillance, and public health initiatives. This involves ensuring the safety of food, water, and pharmaceuticals, as well as managing national health programs and responding to public health emergencies.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Doña Silvita
About Doña Silvita:
Doña Silvita is a Costa Rican brand that produces a range of frozen food products for the national market. The brand focuses on providing convenient meal solutions, including traditional items like frozen tacos. As a local food producer, the company is subject to the food safety regulations and quality control standards enforced by Costa Rican health authorities.
For further information, visit inciensa.sa.cr
About CRIMA-INCIENSA:
The National Reference Center for Microbiological Food Safety (Centro Nacional de Referencia en Inocuidad Microbiológica de Alimentos) is a specialized division of the Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (INCIENSA). It serves as the official laboratory for analyzing foodborne pathogens and provides the scientific data necessary for the Ministry of Health to enforce food safety regulations and respond to potential outbreaks.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About SENASA:
The National Animal Health Service (Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal) is a Costa Rican governmental body responsible for safeguarding animal health and ensuring the safety of food products of animal origin. While its primary focus is on livestock and agricultural health, SENASA plays a critical role in the broader food safety ecosystem, often collaborating with the Ministry of Health on recalls and investigations involving meat and dairy products.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to ethical practice and exceptional legal counsel. The firm leverages a deep-rooted history of client success to drive innovation, consistently developing progressive legal strategies. Central to its identity is a foundational belief in social empowerment, demonstrated through persistent efforts to make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society.
