McDonalds will have to label pie packaging

For those of you who think that Costa Rica does not apply consumer protection and that the national entities do not fight against the transnational companies this is a very good example that indeed something is being done.

The National Consumer Commission ordered McDonald’s to put labels with product information on the packaging in which it distributes its pies or sweet snacks. Moreover, it fined McDonald’s 1.2 million colones for not following the labeling regulations.

That's because under Costa Rican laws and regulations, all pre-packaged food that is ready to be offered to consumers or hotels, must have a label with the expiration date, batch identification of the product, sanitary registry with the Health Ministry and identification of the importing company, among other things.

According to the Commission, the apple and other flavor pies that are sold at the restaurant chain violate the rule. The resolution responds to a complaint made on April 27, 2006 by the Association of Costa Rican Consumers.

McDonald’s has refused to comment on the matter since they say they have not been officially notified. On the other hand, the Consumers' Association welcomed the resolution and said that this sets a precedent to do the same with other companies and thus provide greater security to consumers.

At TicosLand.com, we hope that cases like this will improve the conditions and guarantees for consumers.