Yes, selling homemade food in Costa Rica is legal under strict conditions. The Ley de Alimentos (Food Law) and Reglamento de Establecimientos de Alimentos permit home-based sales if producers comply with Ministerio de Salud (MINSALUD) registration, hygiene standards, and labeling requirements. Recent 2026 amendments tightened oversight, requiring digital traceability for high-risk products like dairy or meat.
Key Regulations for Selling Homemade Food in Costa Rica
- Registration & Licensing: Producers must register with MINSALUD’s Dirección de Regulación de Productos de Interés para la Salud (DIGESA) under the Programa de Alimentos de Producción Artesanal (PAPA). Home kitchens require a Permiso Sanitario de Funcionamiento (PSF), valid for 1–3 years.
- Hygiene & Facility Standards: Home kitchens must meet Norma Técnica de Buenas Prácticas de Manufactura (NTP 37-001-06), including separate storage for raw ingredients, handwashing stations, and pest control. Shared spaces (e.g., living rooms) are prohibited for commercial prep.
- Labeling & Sales Restrictions: Products must display allergen warnings, expiration dates, and producer contact details. Sales are limited to direct-to-consumer channels (e.g., farmers’ markets, online orders) unless the business registers as a microempresa under Ley PYMES, which mandates additional tax compliance.