The Ministry of Health sent out a Seal of Approval for Fortified Nourishment to encourage good practice in the food industry and create confidence in the consumers of the approved food, using an executive order number 3974-S which officially allows the use of this new stamp.
The stamp certifies the quality and nutrition of foods, and can be placed on the labels or advertisements of any type of commercialized food product. Applications to use the stamp are processed by The Ministry of Health.
The Minister of Health, Fernando Llorca Castro pointed out that, “nourishment in Costa Rica has been a good practice of public health, and has had a high impact on the health of the Costa Rican population for several decades, it’s fundamental to recognize the companies that have actively participated in the the process as a great example of an alliance between the public and private sectors”.
The Ministry of Health reserves the right to this seal of approval and awards it to companies that voluntarily apply, according to the terms and regulations.
Departments within The Ministry of Health will evaluate applicants as well as conduct inspections to verify compliance with the regulations amongst other actions. The Ministry has published the obligatory regulations for nourishment in food consumed by the public with an end goal of reducing and controling the lack of micronutrients.