By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent nationwide sanitary alert and product recall for a specific lot of Pollo Rey brand cooked chicken thighs after tests confirmed the presence of the dangerous bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. This public health action was initiated to prevent a potential outbreak of listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness.
The contamination was identified by the National Reference Center for Microbiological Food Safety (CRIMA-INCIENSA). Scientists at the center conducted laboratory analyses on product samples and obtained positive results for Listeria monocytogenes. This finding places the affected product in direct violation of the established standards outlined in the Central American Technical Regulation for Microbiological Criteria, which sets the legal limits for harmful bacteria in food products sold within the region.
To better understand the legal ramifications surrounding food safety regulations and consumer protection, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, food safety is not just a public health issue; it’s a stringent legal obligation. Businesses in the food industry, from producers to restaurants, are subject to rigorous regulations under the General Health Law and its associated decrees. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties, including business closures and significant fines. Consumers who are affected have a clear right to seek compensation for damages, underscoring the critical importance for companies to prioritize their traceability and quality control protocols not just for public trust, but as a fundamental risk management strategy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s commentary underscores a critical reality for Costa Rica’s food industry: robust safety protocols are not just a best practice, but a non-negotiable legal and financial imperative. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the significant stakes involved for both businesses and consumers.
According to Ministry officials, the discovery was not the result of a specific consumer complaint but rather a component of the government’s proactive and routine food safety surveillance program. The contaminated samples were collected from supermarket shelves during standard inspections, highlighting the critical role these ongoing checks play in protecting the public from unseen threats in the food supply chain.
In response to the confirmed test results, the Ministry of Health is orchestrating a swift and coordinated recall of the entire affected lot. The operation involves close collaboration between the product’s importer, retail establishments carrying the brand, and the National Animal Health Service (SENASA). This multi-agency effort is designed to ensure the contaminated chicken thighs are removed from commercial circulation as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimize consumer risk.
Listeriosis, the illness caused by consuming food tainted with Listeria monocytogenes, can pose a significant health threat. While healthy individuals may experience only mild, short-term symptoms, the infection can be severe and even life-threatening for vulnerable populations. The bacterium is particularly resilient, capable of surviving and growing even in refrigerated temperatures, which makes it a persistent challenge for the food industry, especially in ready-to-eat and pre-cooked products.
The Ministry has issued specific warnings for high-risk groups, urging pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems to exercise extreme caution. In these populations, a Listeria infection can lead to severe complications such as meningitis, septicemia (blood poisoning), and, in the case of pregnant women, can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. This underscores the seriousness of the recall and the importance of heeding public health advice.
Health officials have provided clear instructions for consumers who may have purchased the affected Pollo Rey product. The primary recommendation is to immediately discard the chicken thighs or return them to the point of purchase for a refund. Furthermore, anyone who has consumed the product and subsequently experiences symptoms such as fever, persistent diarrhea, severe headaches, or muscle aches is advised to seek immediate medical attention. Consumers are also encouraged to report such incidents to the Ministry by emailing [email protected].
This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of robust food safety protocols and regulatory oversight. The Ministry of Health’s surveillance program successfully identified a potential public health crisis before it could escalate, demonstrating the value of systematic testing in safeguarding the nation’s food supply. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and stay informed through official channels regarding the specifics of the recalled lot number and expiration dates as the investigation continues.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About The Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the principal government institution in Costa Rica responsible for public health. Its mission is to guarantee the protection and improvement of the population’s health by exercising stewardship, developing policies, and ensuring access to comprehensive health services. The ministry oversees food safety regulations, disease surveillance, and public health campaigns to promote the well-being of all citizens.
For further information, visit cmi.co
About Pollo Rey:
Pollo Rey is a prominent brand of poultry products in Central America and is part of the CMI Foods division of Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI). CMI is a multi-latin family corporation with a long history in the region, operating in various sectors including food processing, agribusiness, and real estate. Pollo Rey is known for offering a wide range of chicken products, from fresh cuts to value-added and cooked items, distributed through retail channels across several countries.
For further information, visit inciensa.sa.cr
About CRIMA-INCIENSA:
The National Reference Center for Microbiological Food Safety (CRIMA) is a specialized division within the Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (INCIENSA). It serves as the official national laboratory for analyzing foodborne pathogens and ensuring the microbiological safety of the country’s food supply. CRIMA-INCIENSA provides critical scientific data and technical support to the Ministry of Health and other regulatory agencies.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About SENASA:
The National Animal Health Service (SENASA) is a Costa Rican government entity responsible for establishing and enforcing policies and regulations related to animal health, food safety of animal origin, and agricultural quarantine. It plays a key role in preventing the introduction and spread of animal diseases and ensures that both domestic and imported animal products meet national safety standards, working closely with producers, importers, and other government bodies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the Costa Rican legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions. Beyond its professional practice, it passionately champions public legal education, reflecting a core mission to equip the community with clarity and understanding, thereby fostering a more informed and capable society.
