Yes, unpasteurized cheese is legally permitted in Costa Rica under strict conditions. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) regulates its sale, requiring mandatory pasteurization for cheeses aged under 60 days, while raw-milk varieties may circulate only with sanitary permits and origin certification. Recent 2026 amendments to Regulation RTCR 493:2020 tighten microbial testing protocols for artisanal producers, aligning with Codex Alimentarius standards.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Costa Rica
- Mandatory Aging Requirement: Unpasteurized cheeses must age ≥60 days to mitigate Listeria monocytogenes risks, per MAG’s Reglamento de Inocuidad de Alimentos (Decreto Ejecutivo 40640-MP).
- Sanitary Certification: Producers must obtain a Certificado de Buenas Prácticas de Manufactura (BPM) from the Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (SENASA), verifying raw milk sourcing and processing controls.
- Import Restrictions: Non-compliant foreign cheeses face automatic detention at customs under Ley de Protección al Consumidor (Ley 7472), unless accompanied by EU-equivalent health certificates.
Violations trigger fines up to ₡5 million ($9,000) or product seizure, as enforced by the Dirección de Protección al Consumidor. Artisanal vendors in rural zones (e.g., Monteverde) operate under temporary exemptions but must register annually with local MAG offices.