By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent public health alert and initiated a nationwide recall of a specific batch of Pollo Rey brand cooked chicken thighs after routine testing revealed contamination with the dangerous bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The recall represents a critical test of the country’s food safety protocols and places a spotlight on one of Central America’s most recognized poultry brands.
The affected product is identified as “MUSLITOS DE POLLO COCIDOS” (Cooked Chicken Thighs) from Pollo Rey, specifically lot number 2508250101. This batch carries the sanitary registration number B-45301 (GT-B.45301) and has an expiration date of May 22, 2026. Health officials are strongly advising consumers who may have purchased this product to immediately check their refrigerators and freezers for this specific lot number.
To delve deeper into the legal framework and the responsibilities businesses face regarding food safety in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In our jurisdiction, food safety is a shared legal responsibility. While the Ministry of Health establishes rigorous standards and conducts oversight, the ultimate liability falls on the commercial establishment. Any failure to comply with sanitary regulations, from improper food handling to inadequate storage, not only risks public health but also exposes the business to severe administrative sanctions, including hefty fines and closure orders, and can even lead to civil liability for damages caused to consumers.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal clarity is crucial, as it underscores that food safety is not simply a matter of best practices, but a binding obligation with serious financial and operational consequences for any establishment that fails in its duty. The onus placed directly on businesses serves as a powerful preventative measure, ultimately protecting consumers. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this vital framework.
The contamination was discovered through proactive surveillance measures. According to the Ministry’s Directorate for the Regulation of Products of Health Interest and Risk, samples were collected from various supermarkets across the country as part of a standard food control program. Subsequent microbiological analysis, conducted by the esteemed National Reference Center for Microbiological Food Safety (CRIMA-INCIENSA), confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the samples from the specified lot.
This finding constitutes a direct violation of the Central American Technical Regulation for Microbiological Criteria for Food Safety (RTCA 67.04.50:17). The Pollo Rey product falls under Subgroup 8.3, which covers cooked meat products, including poultry, and has a zero-tolerance policy for the presence of this particular pathogen. The regulation is a cornerstone of regional efforts to ensure the food supply remains safe for consumers.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis. While healthy individuals may experience only short-term symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues, the infection can be severe and potentially fatal for vulnerable populations. This includes pregnant women, who risk miscarriage or premature delivery, as well as newborns, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. The Ministry’s swift action aims to prevent any potential outbreaks associated with the contaminated product.
A coordinated effort to remove the contaminated batch from circulation is already in progress. The Ministry of Health is working closely with the product’s importer, the retail locations where samples were taken, and the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) to ensure a comprehensive and efficient market withdrawal. This multi-agency collaboration is essential to trace the product’s distribution and prevent further consumer exposure.
Officials are urging the public to exercise caution. Any consumer in possession of the recalled Pollo Rey chicken thighs should not consume them under any circumstances. The recommended course of action is to dispose of the product securely or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of consumer vigilance and the critical role of government oversight in maintaining a safe food chain.
For Pollo Rey, a brand under the umbrella of Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI), this recall could have significant reputational and financial implications. How the company manages this crisis, communicates with the public, and cooperates with health authorities will be crucial in maintaining consumer trust. The incident underscores the continuous challenge food producers face in managing complex supply chains and ensuring microbiological safety from farm to table.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministerio de Salud
About Ministerio de Salud:
The Ministry of Health is the primary government body in Costa Rica responsible for public health. Its mission is to protect and improve the health of the population by establishing health policies, regulating health services and products, and implementing disease prevention and health promotion programs throughout the country.
For further information, visit inciensa.sa.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Investigación y Enseñanza en Nutrición y Salud (INCIENSA):
INCIENSA is Costa Rica’s leading institution for research and education in nutrition and health. As a national reference center, it provides vital scientific and technical support to the Ministry of Health, particularly in the areas of microbiological analysis, disease surveillance, and food safety, playing a crucial role in public health protection.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (SENASA):
The National Animal Health Service is the Costa Rican governmental agency in charge of establishing and executing policies, programs, and regulations related to animal health. SENASA works to prevent, control, and eradicate animal diseases, ensure the safety of food products of animal origin, and facilitate international trade by certifying the health status of animals and related products.
For further information, visit cmifoods.com
About Pollo Rey:
Pollo Rey is a leading brand of poultry products in Central America and a key part of the CMI Foods group, a division of Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI). With a significant presence in the region, Pollo Rey is involved in the entire production chain, from raising chickens to processing and distributing a wide range of fresh and prepared poultry products to consumers and businesses.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself by merging a rich history of client advocacy with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. This ethos extends beyond the courtroom through a dedicated mission to demystify the law, transforming complex principles into accessible knowledge that strengthens and empowers the broader community.
