Poor Planning Disrupts Costa Rican Businesses
The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) announced potential blackouts forcing businesses to prepare and incur costs. The lack of proper planning and communication from ICE has led to financial losses for businesses, as they invested in backup power sources or closed their doors in anticipation of the outages. The uncertainty surrounding the electricity supply has made it difficult for businesses to plan ahead, manage personnel, and maintain inventory. Business associations have expressed their frustration and emphasized the need for measures to prevent such situations from occurring again, as they significantly harm the country’s productive sector.
Costa Rica Bans Synthetic Nicotine in Vaping Products
Costa Rican authorities have announced a ban on products containing synthetic nicotine and cannabinoids used in vaping devices and e-cigarettes. The Ministry of Health cited health risks as the reason for the prohibition, which will remain in effect while the government prepares a reform of the law regulating this area. Since 2021, 3,170 people have been treated in Costa Rican public health centers for vaping-related issues, with 40% of cases registered in 2024.
The National Anti-Tobacco Network applauded the decision, while some vape shop owners expressed frustration over the potential loss of business and jobs. The World Health Organization has warned that e-cigarettes with nicotine are harmful to health and highly addictive, urging countries to implement urgent control measures.
Costa Rica Faces Alarming Obesity Epidemic…
As Costa Rica faces the possibility of ranking third among nations with the highest rates of overweight and obesity by 2060, according to World Health Organization projections, nutritionists emphasize the importance of implementing front-of-package labeling on foods. The Pan American Health Organization considers front labeling a simple, practical, and effective tool to inform consumers about products that can harm their health and guide purchasing decisions.
Despite the Ministry of Health’s attempt to hide front labeling on some imported foods last year, the Constitutional Chamber has annulled the measure, ensuring that warning labels will remain visible on products. Limited access to affordable nutritious food is associated with an increased risk of multiple chronic diseases, and front-of-package labeling provides consumers with updated, truthful, and scientific information to make informed decisions about their health.
