Enhancing export success: Costa Rica's commitment to food safety

At Alberto José Salas Jiménez's expansive farm in Costa Rica's Alajuela region west of the capital San José, cattle are reared in the country's lush natural landscape. Taking advantage of Costa Rica's fertile volcanic soil and tropical climate, Salas Jiménez rears cattle destined for international markets. The range of local produce exported to foreign markets has expanded in recent years, but as it travels from farm to fork, it must go on a journey to ensure its safety. This includes rigorous testing for contaminants in meat products to ensure that they are safe for local consumption or foreign export. Farmers like Salas Jiménez are allowed to use vaccines and veterinary drugs to manage animal diseases, as well as pesticides for weed control in fields where livestock graze. Residues from these chemicals can persist in meat and potentially enter the human food chain, necessitating robust food safety surveillance to protect public health. Costa Rica's National Service for Animal Health (SENASA), which is part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, is responsible for ensuring that animal products meet national and international standards to protect public health and facilitate export markets. Previously, to meet global food safety standards, SENASA had to send food samples abroad for testing, with the costs borne by the producers. This process led to increased expenditure and delays in export approvals.