Food safety

Good topic and warning!

My daughter and I have both had food poisoning since living here.  And you are correct, the food here is not the best.

If you read my post under the "Restaurants" heading, you'll see my opinion of the restaurants here.

I just read that. I have just been cooking at home since the last poisioning happened. Its no wonder you never see Ticos eating out!

May I ask where these incidents have occured (not names but areas...)?

I have lived in various areas of Costa Rica and eaten at dozens of restaurants - maybe 50 or more over the years - and never gotten sick.

It's good to look around and note if you see cockroaches or any other signs of less-than-optimal cleanliness and I don't doubt that some of the restaurants are less than optimal. But that said I've never gotten sick from food in Costa Rica.

I think it's good to be aware of a potential problem though so can you pinpoint any particular towns or areas where you've seen or experienced problems? And what is the nature of the problems you've seen most? Food left sitting out (spoiled)? Bad fish? Bad chicken? Give us some more specific info if you can so we know more of what to watch out for. Since you have worked in this field, what warning signs can we look for?