San José Health Crackdown: Four Businesses Closed, 725 Kilos of Decomposing Meat Seized
A coordinated operation in San José has led to the closure of four establishments and the confiscation of hundreds of kilograms of unsafe food products, highlighting ongoing concerns about public health and food safety standards.
A sweeping public health intervention in downtown San José resulted in the immediate closure of four businesses operating without proper permits and the seizure of a disturbing quantity of expired and unsanitary goods. The operation, conducted by the Ministry of Health, the Public Force, the Municipal Police of San José, and the National Animal Health Service (Senasa), underscores a commitment to protecting consumers from potentially dangerous products.
Extensive Inspections Reveal Widespread Irregularities
On Thursday, authorities inspected 14 commercial establishments, identifying significant breaches in operating regulations. “During the intervention, 14 commercial establishments were inspected, of which 4 were closed by breaching the operating permits required by law and for operating without the respective commercial patent,” officials reported. Beyond the lack of proper licensing, inspectors discovered a range of troubling conditions, including the seizure of liquors and medications lacking sanitary registration, as well as expired pharmaceutical products.
Decomposing Meat Seized in Major Discovery
The most alarming finding occurred at a meat processing center, where 725 kilograms of meat in an advanced state of decomposition was confiscated. Senasa’s technical expertise and collaboration with the Ministry of Health were crucial in uncovering the hazardous conditions. A senior official stated, “One of the most serious findings occurred in a meat product processing center, where due to Senasa’s technical work and the Ministry of Health, 725 kilograms of defeated meat were seized, poorly stored and with obvious signs of decomposition.”
The meat exhibited multiple critical failures in safety protocols, including:
- Falls in the cold chain: Compromised temperature control leading to accelerated spoilage.
- Unhealthy storage conditions: Unsanitary environments contributing to contamination.
- Fetid smells and spills of polluting fluids: Clear indicators of advanced decomposition and potential health hazards.
- Lack of product traceability: Inability to track the origin and distribution of the meat, hindering recall efforts.
Immediate Destruction and Ongoing Enforcement
All confiscated meat was immediately destroyed in accordance with health provisions, prioritizing public safety. The Ministry of Health has issued a firm warning against irresponsible practices that endanger public health. “The Ministry of Health reiterates that it will not tolerate irresponsible practices that put people’s lives at risk,” a company release confirmed.
Authorities emphasized that these operations will continue as part of a sustained effort to enforce regulations, protect citizens, and ensure safe conditions within businesses across the country. This latest intervention serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant oversight and strict adherence to food safety standards.
