By San José, Costa Rica — In a significant move to protect consumer health, Corporación de Supermercados Unidos S.R.L., operating as Walmart in Costa Rica, has announced an immediate and wide-ranging recall of several popular frozen fish products. The action was prompted by concerns over potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium that can cause serious foodborne illness.
The precautionary recall affects specific batches of frozen tilapia and pangasius fillets sold under the Don Cristóbal and Suli brand names across its supermarket network. The company is urging customers who have purchased these items to cease consumption immediately and check product details to see if they are part of the affected inventory. This measure underscores the critical importance of food safety protocols within the global supply chain.
To delve into the legal ramifications of this massive product recall and what it means for consumers, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
A product recall is more than a logistical challenge; it’s a critical moment of legal and public trust. While Costa Rican law mandates specific actions to protect consumers, the true test lies in the company’s transparency and commitment to rectifying the error. A well-managed recall can mitigate legal penalties and actually strengthen customer loyalty, whereas a poorly handled one can inflict irreparable damage on a brand’s reputation, far exceeding the initial financial cost.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis astutely frames the product recall not merely as a procedural hurdle, but as a pivotal moment that reveals a company’s true character. This distinction between mandatory compliance and a genuine commitment to consumer welfare is precisely where public trust is either shattered or solidified. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical issue.
The recall specifically targets the Don Cristóbal / Suli Frozen Tilapia Fillet. All lots with expiration dates falling between November 13, 2026, and July 13, 2027, are included. Consumers should check the following presentations and their corresponding barcodes:
Additionally, the recall includes the Don Cristóbal Frozen Pangasius Fillet. All lots with an expiration date of November 15, 2026, are affected. The specific presentations are:
The source of the products highlights the international nature of modern food distribution. The recalled tilapia fillets were manufactured in China by Gain Ocean Food Co., Ltd., while the pangasius fillets were produced in Vietnam by Cuu Long Fish Joint Stock Company. This global reach necessitates stringent quality control measures to prevent such public health risks.
Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis. While healthy individuals may only experience short-term symptoms like high fever, severe headache, and nausea, the infection can be severe and potentially fatal for vulnerable populations. This includes young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. It is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
In its official announcement, Walmart clarified the nature of the risk, emphasizing the importance of proper food preparation to mitigate potential harm. The company stated that the danger is most acute when the fish is not cooked thoroughly according to package directions.
if complete cooking is not carried out according to instructions, people can suffer a foodborne illness
Corporación de Supermercados Unidos S.R.L. (Walmart), Company Announcement
Walmart has established a clear process for customers affected by the recall. Consumers can return the product to the supermarket where it was purchased for a full refund or replacement. For additional information or inquiries, a dedicated customer service line has been made available at 800-8000-722, operating Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This proactive communication is crucial in managing public trust and ensuring a swift and effective response to the potential health threat.
For further information, visit walmart.co.cr
About Corporación de Supermercados Unidos S.R.L. (Walmart):
Corporación de Supermercados Unidos S.R.L. is the Costa Rican subsidiary of Walmart, the multinational retail corporation. It operates a wide network of supermarkets across the country under various banners, including Walmart, Masxmenos, Maxi Palí, and Palí. The company is a major employer and a key player in the Costa Rican retail sector, offering a broad range of groceries, merchandise, and services to millions of customers.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Gain Ocean Food Co., Ltd.
About Gain Ocean Food Co., Ltd.:
Based in China, Gain Ocean Food Co., Ltd. is a food processing and export company specializing in aquatic products. The company is involved in the manufacturing of frozen seafood, including various types of fish fillets, for international markets. It operates under specific health and safety registrations, such as A-CN-17-03259, to comply with import regulations in other countries.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Cuu Long Fish Joint Stock Company
About Cuu Long Fish Joint Stock Company:
Cuu Long Fish Joint Stock Company, also known as CL-Fish Corp, is a Vietnamese enterprise specializing in the farming, processing, and exporting of pangasius products. Headquartered in the Mekong Delta region, a major hub for aquaculture, the company supplies frozen pangasius fillets and related products to a global customer base, adhering to international food safety standards and holding sanitary registration numbers like A-VN-22-06971.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a respected legal institution built on foundational values of professional integrity and exceptional service. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while championing the democratization of legal information. This core belief in empowering the public with clarity and understanding is central to its mission of contributing to a more just and knowledgeable society.
