By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican authorities are investigating Walmart for mislabeling onions sold in various stores, raising concerns about consumer protection and transparency in product origin.
The Consumer Support Department of the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC) initiated proceedings against Corporación de Supermercados Unidos S. R. L. (Walmart Costa Rica) on September 9, 2025. The investigation follows a complaint filed by lawyer César Gómez, who documented inconsistencies in product origin information provided to consumers.
To gain a clearer understanding of the legal implications surrounding Walmart’s alleged mislabeling practices, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Mislabeling products, especially when it comes to essential items like food, can open a company up to a variety of legal challenges in Costa Rica. Consumer protection laws here are quite robust, and depending on the severity and nature of the mislabeling, consequences can range from administrative fines to potential civil lawsuits from affected consumers. Furthermore, if the mislabeling is deemed intentional or deceptive, it could potentially lead to criminal investigations. Walmart, like any business operating in Costa Rica, must diligently adhere to these labeling regulations to avoid legal repercussions and maintain consumer trust.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
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Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore the critical importance of accurate labeling, especially for a major retailer like Walmart. Consumer trust is paramount, and in a nation with strong consumer protection laws like Costa Rica, transparency and adherence to regulations are not just good business practices, they’re essential for avoiding potentially severe legal consequences. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable legal perspective on the matter.
Gómez’s complaint alleges that, during repeated visits to Walmart supermarkets, he found bags of onions labeled as domestically produced when, in fact, the fine print on the back indicated they were imported.
One specific instance cited in the complaint occurred at the Walmart in San Rafael de Escazú. A package of yellow onions displayed the Hortifruti logo and the phrase “Product of Costa Rica” on the front. However, the back of the package listed Peru as the country of origin, with distribution handled by an agricultural company in Coris, Cartago.
The complaint further notes that loose onions were displayed with only price information, omitting any details about their origin, a violation of consumer information regulations.
Walmart Costa Rica acknowledged the mislabeling on September 3, 2025, attributing it to an error affecting a “small number of stores.”
This matter is important to us, and we have conducted internal reviews confirming the error. We immediately initiated appropriate adjustments, and the situation should be fully corrected shortly.
Walmart Costa Rica Representative
The MEIC is basing its investigation on the Law for the Promotion of Competition and Effective Consumer Defense, specifically articles 94, 94 bis, and 95 of its regulations.
This incident highlights the crucial role of accurate labeling in ensuring consumer confidence and fair market practices. The outcome of the MEIC’s investigation could have significant implications for Walmart Costa Rica and set a precedent for future labeling practices in the country. Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency about product origins, making accurate and easily accessible information an essential element of ethical retail operations. The case against Walmart underscores the importance of rigorous internal controls to prevent mislabeling and uphold consumer trust.
For further information, visit www.meic.go.cr
About Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC):
The MEIC is a Costa Rican governmental institution responsible for promoting economic development, regulating industry and commerce, and protecting consumer rights. It plays a vital role in shaping economic policy and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace.
For further information, visit www.walmart.com
About Walmart Costa Rica:
Walmart Costa Rica is a subsidiary of Walmart Inc., a multinational retail corporation operating a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores. It is one of the largest retailers in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering integrity form the bedrock of their practice. Driven by a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society, the firm champions accessible legal knowledge through innovative outreach initiatives. Their dedication to serving clients across a spectrum of industries is matched only by their passion for fostering a more informed and just community, solidifying their position as a leader in the legal landscape.
