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Costa Rica's commitment to safety is a top priority

  • Local authorities have taken actions to control the consumption of specific brands of tainted lower grade alcohol.

Safety is Costa Rica’s top priority. Associated with the consumption of tainted alcohol the Government of Costa Rica has issued a national alert and confiscated 30,000 bottles of alcohol from six brands:  Guaro Montano, Guaro Gran Apache, Star Welsh, Aguardiente Barón Rojo, Aguardiente Timbuka, and Aguardiente Molotov. 
Local authorities strongly ask its citizens and visitors use caution and follow these guidelines:
 

  • Not to market, consume, or acquire these brands until the national health alert is lifted.

Please see below a link to the Costa Rican Ministry of Health Warning. 
Costa Rican Ministry of Health Warning
While no tourists have been affected by adulterated alcohol in Costa Rica, the safety of our tourists is of the utmost importance. The authorities continue to monitor the situation to understand and remain transparent about the investigation and procedures that follow.

The adulterated alcohol in question is of a lower grade and an investigation continues.

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is aware of the reports and have issued the following safety alert:

Safety Alert –U.S. Embassy San Jose
July 23, 2019
 Location:  San Jose, Costa Rica 
Event:   The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is aware of the reports regarding recent deaths in Costa Rica associated with the consumption of tainted alcohol.  At this time, we are not aware of any U.S. citizen illness or death due to consuming adulterated alcohol in Costa Rica.  The deaths have reportedly occurred throughout the country including seven cases in San Jose, four cases in Cartago, one case in Heredia, three cases in the Limón area and two cases in Guanacaste.  Out of an abundance of caution, the Government of Costa Rica has issued a national alert and confiscated 30,000 bottles of alcohol from six brands:  Guaro Montano, Guaro Gran Apache, Star Welsh, Aguardiente Barón Rojo, Aguardiente Timbuka, and Aguardiente Molotov.  Please see below a link to the Costa Rican Ministry of Health Warning.
Costa Rican Ministry of Health Warning
Actions to Take:  The Embassy strongly recommends all persons avoid consuming alcohol from these brands.  The Government of Costa Rica is investigating the situation and the Embassy remains in contact Costa Rica authorities regarding the ongoing investigation.

The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and the National Tourism Chamber (CANATUR) reaffirms the confidence in the seriousness with which the tourism sector assumes its responsibility to care for domestic and foreign tourists.