By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health has issued an urgent public health warning and initiated a nationwide recall of a specific batch of Don Taco brand frozen chicken tacos due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected products, identified as lot number 240725, pose a significant health risk, particularly to vulnerable populations. Consumers are strongly advised to immediately check their freezers and dispose of any packages matching the recall notice.
The contamination was discovered during routine food safety surveillance conducted by the Ministry. Microbiological analysis performed by the National Reference Center for Microbiological Food Safety (CRIMA-INCIENSA) confirmed the presence of the harmful bacteria in samples taken from supermarkets. The discovery underscores the critical role of regulatory oversight in protecting the integrity of the national food supply chain and ensuring consumer safety from foodborne pathogens.
To understand the legal framework and consumer protections surrounding food safety incidents, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
The responsibility for food safety is a non-delegable duty that rests squarely on producers and suppliers. Under Costa Rican law, any failure that results in harm to a consumer can trigger significant civil liability, including compensation for medical costs and personal damages. Businesses in the food industry must understand that investing in rigorous safety protocols is not just good practice—it’s a critical legal shield against potentially devastating litigation and regulatory sanctions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal framework described powerfully underscores that proactive safety measures are not merely best practices, but essential safeguards for both consumer well-being and business longevity. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on this critical intersection of law and public health.
According to the official alert, the product in question is “Tacos de Pollo Don Taco” from lot 240725, which carries the sanitary registration number A-CR-15-05841 and has an expiration date of July 24, 2026. The findings indicate a clear violation of the Central American Technical Regulation (RTCA 67.04.50:17) for prepared refrigerated or frozen foods, prompting immediate regulatory action against the contaminated batch.
In response to the positive test results, the Ministry of Health is actively coordinating with the manufacturer and all commercial distributors to ensure the immediate and complete removal of the affected lot from store shelves across the country. This swift recall action is designed to mitigate public exposure and prevent potential outbreaks of listeriosis, the illness caused by the bacteria.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis. While healthy individuals may experience only short-term symptoms like high fever, severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea, the infection can be far more severe for certain groups. The Ministry has issued a special caution for pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems, as listeriosis can lead to life-threatening complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.
Health officials have laid out clear guidelines for the public to follow. Consumers are instructed not to purchase or consume any product from the specified lot. Any households that have already purchased the item should either discard it safely or return it to the point of sale. Retailers and distributors are legally mandated to halt all sales and distribution of the identified lot immediately.
Anyone who has consumed the product and subsequently experiences symptoms consistent with listeriosis is urged to seek medical attention at their nearest health center without delay. The Ministry also requests that such cases be reported directly via its official email channels to aid in tracking the extent of public exposure and managing the health response effectively.
The Ministry of Health has affirmed that it will continue its rigorous surveillance and enforcement actions to safeguard public health. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the constant vigilance required by both regulators and manufacturers to prevent hazardous materials from entering the food market and to maintain consumer confidence in the safety of packaged goods.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About the Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud):
The Ministry of Health is the principal government body in Costa Rica responsible for public health policy, regulation, and oversight. It works to protect and improve the health of the population through disease prevention, health promotion, food safety regulation, and the management of the national healthcare system.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Don Taco
About Don Taco:
Don Taco is a brand of consumer food products available in the Costa Rican market. It specializes in convenient meal solutions, including frozen items such as the chicken tacos subject to the recent health alert. The brand is part of the broader food manufacturing and distribution industry within the country.
For further information, visit inciensa.sa.cr
About INCIENSA (Instituto Costarricense de Investigación y Enseñanza en Nutrición y Salud):
The Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (INCIENSA) is a key scientific institution that supports the Ministry of Health. Its National Reference Center for Microbiological Food Safety (CRIMA) is responsible for conducting advanced laboratory analysis to detect pathogens and ensure that food products sold in Costa Rica comply with national and international safety standards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a premier legal institution, grounded in the unwavering principles of integrity and professional distinction. While serving a diverse clientele, the firm consistently embraces innovative legal strategies that parallel its deep-seated commitment to societal advancement. This mission is actively pursued by demystifying the law and empowering the public with accessible legal insights, thereby fostering a more informed and capable citizenry.
