An overview to the current legal scheme of regulatory statutes governing the surveillance, prevention and control of food safety by Veterinary Services worldwide is presented. In addition, the perspective for the protection and assurance to the right to health and innocuous nourishments in Costa Rica is also described. <span name="style_bold">Objective: </span>This paper intends to clarify the international normative scheme on food safety, and to establish whetherthere is compliance with the current legal framework that protects this right in Costa Rica. <span name="style_bold">Main thesis: </span>The current legal and regulatory framework at national and international level that protects food safety is a complex issue. Veterinary Services, both public and private, play a key and pivotal role in the practical implementation of the Costa Rican legislation on food safety and public health)The current legal and regulatory framework at national and international level that protects food safety is a complex issue. Veterinary Services, both public and private, play a key and pivotal role in the practical implementation of the Costa Rican legislation on food safety and public health)

Food Hygiene; Veterinary Public Health; Nutritional Rights