Costa Rica Recalls Don Cristóbal Tilapia and Pangasius over Listeria Contamination

A major frozen seafood recall is underway in Costa Rica after authorities detected Listeria monocytogenes in popular fish products, leading Walmart’s local subsidiary to pull tilapia and pangasius fillets from shelves. On Dec. 4, 2025, Corporación de Supermercados Unidos (Walmart Costa Rica) issued a voluntary recall of several Don Cristóbal brand frozen fish items due to potential Listeria contamination. The affected products include Don Cristóbal Frozen Tilapia Fillets (all lots expiring between Nov. 13, 2026 and Jul. 13, 2027) and Don Cristóbal Frozen Pangasius Fillets (all lots expiring by Nov. 15, 2026). Consumers and distributors were urged to check their inventories for these products and cease sales or use immediately.

This recall highlights the food safety compliance challenges in a globalized seafood supply chain. The tilapia fillets were sourced from a processor in China (Gain Ocean Food Co., Ltd.), while the pangasius (basa) fillets came from a supplier in Vietnam (Cuu Long Fish Corp). The international origins underscore how digital seafood supply chain tracking is critical for traceability – in this case, it enabled Walmart to identify and target specific lot codes across all its stores. Walmart Costa Rica’s recall notice provided consumers with product details (package weights of 170g, 454g, 1.5kg, etc., and corresponding barcodes) to facilitate identification. Seafood traceability systems allowed the company to quickly pinpoint which batches were at risk, demonstrating the value of robust tracking when contamination issues arise.

Authorities discovered the contamination as part of routine quality checks. Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection especially dangerous to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms range from fever and nausea to, in severe cases, neurological issues or fetal harm. Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health and agricultural authorities collaborated with Walmart on the recall, stressing that food product contamination with Listeria is a Class I health hazard. They warned that even frozen fish, if not thoroughly cooked, could carry a risk of illness. In an official statement, Walmart Costa Rica reminded customers that proper cooking (per package instructions) is essential to kill the bacteria and prevent foodborne illness. This situation is a reminder to B2B buyers that food safety compliance isn’t just about regulations, but also about educating end-users on safe handling.

The recall process in this incident has been proactive and transparent. Walmart set up customer service lines and offered full refunds to anyone who purchased the affected tilapia or pangasius. No illnesses had been reported at the time of the announcement, and the recall is considered precautionary. Still, the economic impact is notable: tens of thousands of pounds of product are being withdrawn from commerce, and restaurants or distributors carrying Don Cristóbal fish have had to adjust menus and inventory. This has prompted many in the frozen seafood industry to re-evaluate their digital supply chain oversight. For instance, ensuring that upstream suppliers in other countries adhere to strict testing and certification (such as ISO 22000 or HACCP) is now a priority. Modern traceability platforms could allow continuous monitoring of safety certificates and lab results for each batch, providing an extra layer of assurance.

Beyond immediate containment, Costa Rican officials highlighted the importance of seafood traceability for public health. In this case, the source of contamination is still under investigation – it could have occurred at the processing facilities abroad or during cold chain transport. By tracing each batch’s journey (from factory to import to store), investigators can identify where lapses occurred. The Don Cristóbal recall thus serves as a case study in why end-to-end traceability and swift recall capabilities are essential features of a modern, digital seafood supply chain. Businesses that supply institutions like Walmart are likely to face even stricter oversight and must demonstrate compliance to avoid being the weak link that introduces a pathogen. In an era of globally sourced seafood, the Costa Rica pangasius and tilapia recall underscores that food safety compliance and traceability systems are non-negotiable for maintaining customer trust and public health.