Published on Monday, April 21, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is alerting U.S. citizens and residents following a preventive ban issued by the Ministry of Health on the harvesting, sale, and consumption of bivalve mollusks, including piangua, mussels, clams, and oysters.

The ban applies to the coastal area between Herradura Beach and the mouth of the Guacimal River in Puntarenas Province, according to the Animal Health National Service (SENASA).

Recent testing of shellfish from this region detected the presence of paralytic marine toxins, which can cause shellfish poisoning. The U.S. Embassy warned that consuming contaminated shellfish can result in serious health complications, including digestive and neurological symptoms, and in rare cases, death.

Authorities advise the public to:

• Avoid eating or purchasing shellfish from the affected zone.

• Confirm the source when dining out or buying from fish markets.

• Refrain from collecting shellfish along the Central Pacific coast during the restriction.

• Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or numbness/tingling in the face, lips, tongue, arms, or legs.

The restriction will remain in effect until further testing confirms the area is safe. Nearby coastal regions are also under active monitoring.

As a reminder, the Embassy highlighted that several shellfish species are permanently prohibited for consumption in Costa Rica, including Ostión vaca (a type of oyster), Concha perla (a type of sea snail/conch), Ostra perla (a type of oyster) and Barba de hacha, a type of scallop.

To report cases of suspected food poisoning, please contact the U.S. Embassy by calling +506 2519-2000, emailing ACSSanJose@state.gov or visiting the official embassy website.

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What have you heard about expats experiencing health issues after eating mollusks in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com