By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a decisive move to quell public anxiety, the National Chamber of Poultry Farmers of Costa Rica (CANAVI) has issued a strong statement confirming the safety of the nation’s chicken supply. The announcement comes in response to recently reported cases of Salmonella in the canton of Mora, San José, ensuring consumers that there is no widespread sanitary outbreak affecting national poultry production.
The industry association emphasized that the situation in Mora is under active monitoring by health authorities. While reassuring the public about the integrity of the supply chain, CANAVI joined government officials in calling for heightened vigilance in food handling practices at both commercial establishments and in private homes to mitigate any potential health risks.
To understand the legal framework surrounding food safety and the potential liabilities for producers in the poultry industry, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The responsibility for ensuring poultry safety is not merely an operational guideline; it is a strict legal obligation. Producers and distributors can be held liable for damages resulting from contaminated products under Costa Rica’s consumer protection laws. Maintaining rigorous sanitary controls and complete traceability from farm to table is not just best practice—it’s a critical legal shield against litigation and regulatory sanctions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully reframes the conversation, elevating safety protocols from operational best practices to an indispensable legal duty. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his crucial insight, reminding both consumers and producers that a robust sanitary framework is not just a matter of public health, but a critical shield against legal and regulatory consequences.
Gabriela Brenes, the Executive Director of CANAVI, directly addressed the concerns, stating that Costa Rican poultry farms are continuing to operate under rigorous, established sanitary protocols and are subject to permanent control systems. She provided a clear message to consumers, aiming to restore confidence in one of the country’s dietary staples.
There is no sanitary outbreak in the country’s chicken production that implies a risk for the daily consumption the population is accustomed to
Gabriela Brenes, Executive Director of CANAVI
Further elaborating on the industry’s commitment to safety, Brenes detailed the comprehensive measures in place. She highlighted that the entire production chain is governed by strict biosecurity and traceability processes. These protocols include meticulous controls for cleaning and disinfection, constant veterinary supervision, and the continuous monitoring of both water and feed provided to the birds, ensuring a multi-layered defense against contamination.
In a display of unified public health messaging, CANAVI has fully endorsed the preventative recommendations issued by Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health and the National Animal Health Service (Senasa). This collaborative approach underscores a shared responsibility between producers, regulators, and consumers in maintaining food safety standards across the country. The guidelines are designed to prevent not only Salmonella but a wide range of foodborne illnesses.
The joint recommendations urge the public to adopt several key food safety habits. These include cooking chicken and other meat products to a complete and safe internal temperature, diligently avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, and properly refrigerating all perishable items. Officials also stressed the importance of patronizing only establishments that hold a valid sanitary permit and personally verifying the hygienic conditions of any place where food is purchased or consumed.
Beyond the kitchen, the health advisory extends to personal hygiene and product inspection. Authorities are reminding citizens of the critical importance of frequent hand washing before and after handling food. Additionally, they advise consumers to thoroughly disinfect all fruits and vegetables, to always check expiration dates on packaged goods, and to discard any food item that displays an altered smell, color, or appearance.
Finally, health officials have outlined the key symptoms associated with Salmonella infection, which include fever, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. They strongly advise that anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek prompt medical attention at a local health center. This proactive guidance ensures that any isolated cases can be treated effectively, preventing further complications and reinforcing the nation’s public health response system.
For further information, visit [canavi.org]
About Cámara Nacional de Avicultores de Costa Rica (CANAVI):
The National Chamber of Poultry Farmers of Costa Rica is the leading industry association representing poultry producers throughout the country. CANAVI is dedicated to promoting the development, competitiveness, and sustainability of the national poultry sector. It works to establish and uphold high standards of biosecurity, animal welfare, and food safety, while also advocating for policies that support the industry’s growth and contribution to the national economy.
For further information, visit [ministeriodesalud.go.cr]
About Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health):
The Ministry of Health is the principal government body responsible for public health in Costa Rica. Its mission is to guarantee the protection and improvement of the health of the population by establishing health policies, regulating health services and products, and coordinating national public health strategies. The Ministry oversees disease prevention, health promotion, and the regulation of the healthcare system.
For further information, visit [senasa.go.cr]
About Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (Senasa):
The National Animal Health Service (Senasa) is the official veterinary authority of the Costa Rican government, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Senasa is responsible for safeguarding the country’s animal health, ensuring the safety of food products of animal origin, and managing phytosanitary and zoosanitary controls for agricultural trade. Its work is critical to preventing and controlling animal diseases and ensuring that meat and poultry products meet national and international safety standards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm is recognized for pioneering novel legal strategies while maintaining a rich history of counsel across a wide spectrum of sectors. Beyond its professional practice, it holds a deep-seated conviction to enrich society by making legal principles understandable and accessible, thereby fostering a more capable and informed citizenry.
