An EAN-13 code starting with 744 was issued to a company registered with the GS1 organisation of Costa Rica. It is a clue about the company, not the factory.
What it means
GS1 allocates prefixes by country. Companies registered with GS1 Costa Rica receive codes starting with 744. They keep that prefix even when they manufacture elsewhere or sell worldwide.
So a product with prefix 744 may be made outside Costa Rica, and a product made in Costa Rica may carry another country’s prefix if the brand is registered there.
How to find where it was made
Look for “Made in”, “Produced in”, “Country of origin” or “Origin” on the label. In the EU, fresh meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, unprocessed fish, eggs, honey and virgin and extra virgin olive oil must state their origin.
If you do not have the label at hand, scan the barcode with Origen: it shows the manufacturing country stated in Open Food Facts and related databases, or tells you when it is missing.
Frequently asked questions
Is a barcode starting with 744 from Costa Rica?
It means the company registered the code with the GS1 organisation of Costa Rica. The product may have been made in another country: check the label or scan it with Origen.
What if the code starts with 744 but the label names another country?
The label wins. The country of origin or “Made in” shows where it was made; the prefix only shows where the company is registered.
How can I check the origin with my phone?
Open Origen, scan the barcode and you will see the manufacturing country and ingredient origins when the public product record states them.