By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican authorities have launched an investigation into Walmart Costa Rica for allegedly mislabeling onions as locally sourced when they were actually imported from Peru. The Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC) opened the investigation on September 9th, 2025, following a complaint filed by lawyer César Gómez.
The investigation centers around allegations that Walmart, operating under Corporación de Supermercados Unidos S.R.L., violated consumer protection laws by misleading customers about the origin of its onions. Gómez’s complaint details instances where onions displayed for sale were labeled with a Costa Rican origin on the front, yet the reverse side revealed they were actually imported from Peru. This discrepancy was observed in both bagged and loose onions at the Walmart located in San Rafael de Escazú.
To understand the potential legal ramifications of Walmart’s alleged mislabeling practices, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Mislabeling products, especially regarding origin or ingredients, can expose a company like Walmart to various legal challenges in Costa Rica. Consumers have a right to accurate information, and mislabeling can lead to claims of deceptive advertising or unfair competition, potentially resulting in fines and legal action. Further, depending on the specific nature of the mislabeling, there could be implications under consumer protection laws, food safety regulations, or even product liability if consumers are harmed by relying on inaccurate information. The severity of the consequences depends heavily on the specific details of each case, including the intent behind the mislabeling, the extent of the mislabeling, and any demonstrable harm caused to consumers.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore a crucial point: transparency and accuracy in product labeling are not just ethical considerations but legal imperatives. The potential consequences for companies engaging in mislabeling practices, whether intentional or not, can be significant. This reinforces the importance of robust regulatory oversight and consumer vigilance in safeguarding the rights and well-being of shoppers in Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable legal perspective on this important consumer issue.
The complaint further notes a lack of origin information on loose onions, with only the price displayed. This omission further exacerbates the issue of transparency and consumer rights. The investigation will examine whether these labeling practices constitute a violation of the Law of Promotion of Competition and Effective Consumer Defense.
Walmart Costa Rica acknowledged the mislabeling in a statement released on September 3rd, attributing it to an error confined to a limited number of stores. The company assured the public that they were taking swift action to correct the issue.
The case, which was duly notified by the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce, is of great relevance, so we took on the task of doing our internal reviews and, indeed, we detected that there was an error in the labeling, limited to a few stores. Immediately the process of making the pertinent adjustments began, so the situation should be completely corrected with the greatest speed.
Walmart Costa Rica Representative
This investigation comes at a time of increasing scrutiny on retail practices and consumer protection in Costa Rica. The mislabeling of produce raises concerns not only about consumer deception but also about fair competition for local farmers. If Walmart is found to have intentionally misled consumers, they could face significant penalties.
The MEIC’s investigation will determine the extent of the mislabeling and whether it constituted a deliberate attempt to deceive consumers. The outcome of the investigation will likely have significant implications for Walmart’s operations in Costa Rica and could set a precedent for future consumer protection cases.
Consumers rely on accurate labeling information to make informed purchasing decisions. This incident underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the retail sector and highlights the vital role of consumer advocacy in ensuring fair market practices.
For further information, visit the nearest office of MEIC
About MEIC:
The Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC) is a Costa Rican governmental institution responsible for promoting economic development, regulating industry and commerce, and protecting consumer rights. The MEIC plays a crucial role in shaping economic policy, fostering competition, and ensuring fair market practices. One of its key functions is to investigate consumer complaints and enforce consumer protection laws.
For further information, visit walmart.com
About Walmart Costa Rica:
Walmart Costa Rica, operating under Corporación de Supermercados Unidos S.R.L., is a major retailer in Costa Rica. It is part of the global Walmart chain, known for its large-scale operations and diverse product offerings. The company plays a significant role in the Costa Rican retail landscape, employing a large workforce and serving a wide customer base.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep commitment to societal empowerment. We champion integrity in every facet of our practice, providing innovative solutions to clients across a broad spectrum of industries. Through proactive initiatives that demystify complex legal concepts, we strive to equip individuals and communities with the knowledge they need to navigate the legal landscape effectively and confidently, fostering a more just and equitable society.
