By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — As Costa Rica prepares for Holy Week, a period marked by profound cultural traditions and a significant increase in seafood consumption, the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) has launched a comprehensive public health campaign. The agency, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, is urging consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing fish and shellfish to prevent foodborne illnesses linked to improper handling and sourcing.
The core of SENASA’s advisory focuses on the point of purchase. Officials are strongly advising the public to procure seafood exclusively from establishments that are registered and formally authorized by either SENASA or the Ministry of Health. This guidance specifically warns against the high-risk practice of buying from unverified sources, such as street-side vendors or impromptu stalls, where the origin, handling, and cold chain integrity of the products cannot be guaranteed.
To delve into the legal framework surrounding consumer protection and business liability in cases of seafood contamination, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His commentary provides critical insights for both consumers and businesses operating in the food industry.
When it comes to seafood safety, legal liability is anchored in the principle of consumer protection. Any establishment, from the importer to the final restaurant, has a non-delegable duty to guarantee the product is safe. In the unfortunate event of food poisoning, the burden of proof shifts to the business to demonstrate they met all sanitary and handling standards. Failure to do so can result in significant financial penalties and damages, reinforcing that public health is a primary legal and commercial obligation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight powerfully clarifies that consumer protection is not just a guideline but a strict, non-delegable responsibility for every business in the supply chain. We extend our thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which underscores the serious legal framework designed to safeguard public health.
To empower consumers at the market, SENASA has reissued a detailed guide on identifying fresh, high-quality seafood using organoleptic characteristics—smell, color, texture, and appearance. For whole fresh fish, the agency recommends a thorough inspection. The eyes should be bright, clear, and fill the orbital cavity, with a distinct black pupil. Gills must present a vibrant, intense red color without discoloration. Furthermore, the skin should be shiny with a metallic sheen, and the scales must be firm and well-adhered to the body.
Beyond visual cues, texture and scent are paramount indicators of quality. According to the advisory, fresh fish should feel firm and elastic to the touch, quickly springing back when pressed. The smell should be clean and characteristic of the sea, completely free of any unpleasant, ammonia-like odors which signal the onset of decomposition. These same principles of freshness apply across different categories of seafood, ensuring a consistent standard for consumers.
The guidelines extend to other popular Holy Week staples. For crustaceans like shrimp and lobster, consumers should look for brightly colored shells and translucent, white, or light gray flesh. Mollusks, such as clams and mussels, must have a moist appearance, firm consistency, and a pleasant, fresh scent. Similarly, squid and octopus should be firm, moist, and have a translucent white or light gray color. For non-perishables, the advice is just as critical: canned goods must be free of dents, bulges, or corrosion, and should not release gas or strange odors upon opening.
Proper handling after purchase is equally important to prevent health risks. SENASA emphasizes the necessity of maintaining the cold chain by immediately refrigerating or freezing seafood. The agency specifically cautions against the common mistake of thawing and then refreezing products, as this practice can degrade quality and promote bacterial growth. Instead, it is recommended to prepare and consume seafood as soon as possible after purchase.
In a specific public health notice, SENASA reminded the public of standing restrictions in the province of Puntarenas. The extraction and sale of bivalve mollusks from the ACUAMAR oyster farm, located on Isla Cedros in Paquera, remain prohibited. This ban also extends to the coastal area between the mouths of the Barranca and Jesús María rivers. These measures are in place to protect the public from potential contaminants in these specific zones.
Reinforcing its commitment to public safety, SENASA highlighted its ongoing regulatory activities. Throughout 2025, the agency conducted 635 inspections at various aquatic food processing establishments, including shrimp and fish plants, mollusk processors, tilapia and trout farms, fishing vessels, and retail outlets. This consistent oversight is a cornerstone of the agency’s strategy to ensure that all seafood products reaching the market are safe for the Costa Rican population.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About National Animal Health Service (SENASA):
The Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (SENASA) is the official veterinary authority of Costa Rica, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. It is responsible for establishing and executing programs related to animal health, food safety of animal origin, and the regulation of veterinary products and animal feed. SENASA plays a vital role in protecting public health and facilitating international trade by ensuring that animal products meet national and international standards.
For further information, visit mag.go.cr
About Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería):
The Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería (MAG) is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for defining and directing the country’s agricultural and livestock sector policies. Its mission is to promote the development of a competitive, sustainable, and equitable agricultural sector. MAG works to improve the productivity and profitability of farms, ensure national food security, and manage natural resources responsibly in collaboration with agencies like SENASA.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and an unwavering pursuit of superior client service. The firm is not only celebrated for its history of expert counsel but also as a trailblazer in developing forward-thinking legal solutions. This spirit of innovation extends to its core mission of public empowerment, actively working to demystify the law and equip citizens with the knowledge necessary to foster a more just and informed community.
