What was recalled
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a Class I recall involving approximately 264 pounds of specific snack products distributed by El Eden Import Distributor Corp., a Long Island City, New York-based firm. This recall, announced on September 9, 2026, targets potato chip products that contain chicharrón (pork cracklings). The central issue is not necessarily the safety of the ingredients themselves in isolation, but rather the origin of the product. These items were produced in the Republic of Colombia, a nation that currently does not have eligibility to export meat or poultry products to the United States. Because of this regulatory status, the importation of these goods was prohibited, leading to their removal from the market.
The specific items subject to this recall are foil bags weighing 45 grams each. You can identify them by looking for the brand name “De Todito” printed clearly on the packaging. There are two primary varieties included in this batch:
- “De Todito NATURAL” mixed chips: These bags contain a blend of snacks including “CHICHARRÓN AMERICANO JACKS,” “Margarita,” and “NATU CHIPS.”
- “De Todito BBQ” mixed chips: Similarly, these 45-gram foil bags hold a mixture featuring “CHICHARRÓN AMERICANO JACKS,” “Margarita,” and “NatuChips.”
It is important to note that these products do not bear any import marks on their labels. This absence of standard importation labeling is one of the indicators that the goods bypassed normal regulatory channels. The problem was initially brought to light when FSIS received a consumer complaint regarding “De Todito” snack products that contained dried plantains, potato chips, and chicharrónes imported from Colombia. While an earlier version of this release had referenced a specific import date of July 28, 2026, this detail was removed in an update on September 17, 2026, to more accurately reflect that the products were ineligible for import regardless of a single shipment date.
If you are trying to determine if you might have these items, consider where they were sold. The recalled goods were shipped to a distributor in New Jersey and subsequently moved to retail locations in New Jersey, Utah, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Illinois. FSIS notes that their investigation is ongoing, so it remains possible that consignees in additional states may be identified as the recall process continues. If you purchased these specific De Todito mixed chip bags from any of these states recently, they should be considered part of this recall.
The hazard, explained
It is important to clarify exactly what makes this recall necessary, because the risk here is different from a typical foodborne illness outbreak caused by bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. In this specific case involving El Eden Import Distributor Corp., the primary hazard is not that the pork cracklings (chicharrón) are spoiled or contaminated with pathogens at the moment of consumption. Rather, the core issue is regulatory and legal: the products were manufactured in the Republic of Colombia, a country that currently does not have eligibility to export meat products to the United States.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) maintains strict standards for which foreign facilities are permitted to ship meat and poultry into the American market. These standards ensure that importing countries meet equivalent safety, sanitation, and labeling requirements. When a country is deemed ineligible, it means its regulatory framework has not been verified as providing the same level of protection against foodborne hazards as U.S. domestic producers. While this does not automatically mean every product from that country is unsafe, the lack of verification creates an unacceptable risk. The system relies on these international agreements to guarantee that meat products have been processed, inspected, and handled under conditions that prevent contamination.
For context, pork cracklings are a high-risk category for food safety issues when not produced under strict oversight. They are made from fried pork skin and fat, which can support the growth of harmful bacteria if cooling or storage temperatures are not meticulously controlled during production. Because Colombia is ineligible to export meat, FSIS cannot verify that these specific batches were produced in facilities that adhere to U.S.-equivalent safety protocols. This includes checks for proper cooking temperatures, prevention of cross-contamination, and accurate labeling. Without this verification, consumers have no guarantee that the product was handled safely from the factory floor to the packaging line.
Additionally, the recall notes that these products do not bear any import marks on their labels. Legally imported meat products must carry specific identification marks that trace them back to an approved foreign establishment. The absence of these marks is a critical warning sign. It indicates that the product bypassed the standard customs and inspection checkpoints that usually screen for eligibility and safety compliance. While FSIS has received no confirmed reports of illness or injury from these specific items, the potential for harm remains because the safety net of federal oversight was not in place during their production. The hazard is therefore one of unverified safety: you cannot know if the product meets U.S. health standards, so it must be treated as potentially unsafe to prevent any possible exposure to contaminants or improper processing.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about who is "at risk" in this specific recall, it is helpful to distinguish between two different types of concern: the immediate safety hazard and the regulatory violation. For the consumers who have purchased these El Eden pork crackling products, the primary risk is not necessarily that the food has spoiled or contains harmful bacteria right now, but rather that it entered the U.S. market outside of our strict inspection systems. The product was manufactured in Colombia, a country currently ineligible to export meat products to the United States. This means the meat was processed in a facility that has never been inspected by U.S. officials to ensure it meets our rigorous standards for sanitation, labeling accuracy, and pathogen control. While there are no confirmed reports of illness or injury linked to these specific items yet, the lack of oversight creates an unknown variable. We do not know how the pork was handled, stored, or transported before it reached store shelves in New Jersey, Utah, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Illinois, and potentially other states.
However, standard food safety guidelines universally advise that certain groups should be extra cautious with any meat product that has bypassed federal inspection. Individuals with weakened immune systems are generally considered the most vulnerable population when it comes to foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria. This includes young children, whose immune systems are still developing, and older adults, whose immune responses may be less robust. Pregnant individuals also fall into this high-priority category because certain infections can pose serious risks not just to the parent, but to the developing baby.
If you or a family member falls into one of these higher-risk categories, it is wise to treat this recall with urgency. Even though the hazard here is regulatory (the meat came from an ineligible source) rather than a confirmed contamination event, the principle remains the same: why take a chance on unverified food safety protocols? If you are healthy and have eaten a small amount of these chips by accident, do not panic. The probability of immediate harm is likely low, but the uncertainty is what matters. For those with compromised health, the potential consequences of an undetected pathogen are far more severe. Therefore, the "risk" is highest for anyone who cannot afford a foodborne illness, regardless of whether the product is technically "unsafe" in every tested instance. It is always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with meat products that lack U.S. inspection marks.
- Young Children: Their bodies are more susceptible to dehydration and complications from foodborne bacteria.
- Older Adults: Age-related changes in the immune system can make fighting off infections more difficult.
- Pregnant Individuals: Certain meat-borne pathogens can cross the placental barrier and affect fetal development.
- Immunocompromised Persons: This includes individuals undergoing chemotherapy, those with HIV/AIDS, or anyone on immunosuppressive medications.
If you are unsure about your health status or have specific concerns about having consumed these products, please contact your healthcare provider. They can give you personalized advice based on your medical history. Remember, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 is also available for general food safety questions if you need clarification before deciding whether to seek medical attention.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you enjoy snacking on mixed chips or pork cracklings, it is important to take a close look at the packages in your pantry, refrigerator, or any recent grocery bags. The recall issued by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) targets specific products distributed by El Eden Import Distributor Corp. Because these items were imported from Colombia—a country currently ineligible to export meat products to the United States—they do not bear standard U.S. import marks on their labels. This absence of official import labeling is a key detail, but you should rely primarily on the brand name and product description to identify them.
The primary brand involved in this recall is El Eden, specifically under their “De Todito” line. You need to look for 45-gram foil bags that contain a mix of snacks, including dried plantains and potato chips. The critical identifier is the presence of pork cracklings, known as chicharrón. There are two specific varieties subject to this recall:
- “De Todito NATURAL” mixed chips: These bags will feature “CHICHARRÓN AMERICANO JACKS,” “Margarita,” and “NATU CHIPS.”
- “De Todito BBQ” mixed chips: These bags will feature “CHICHARRÓN AMERICANO JACKS,” “Margarita,” and “NatuChips.”
When you pick up a bag, check the front of the packaging for the brand name and the specific flavor profile. The weight should be exactly 45 grams. While price is not listed in the official FSIS report, these are typically sold as snack mixes at retail locations. If you bought these items recently, consider where you shopped. The products were shipped to a distributor in New Jersey and have been found in retail locations across New Jersey, Utah, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Illinois. It is possible that the investigation is ongoing, so consignees in additional states may be identified as FSIS continues their work.
Because the label does not include import marks from Colombia, you cannot rely on country-of-origin labeling to confirm the source. Instead, focus on the product name and the inclusion of chicharrón. If you have any of these specific 45-gram foil bags of “De Todito” mixed chips containing pork cracklings, please do not consume them. The safest course of action is to throw the product away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
What to do — step by step
If you have purchased any of the recalled El Eden products, your immediate safety is the priority. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has identified a significant regulatory violation involving pork cracklings imported from Colombia. Because Colombia is not eligible to export meat products to the United States, these items bypass critical federal inspections that ensure food safety standards are met. Consequently, the remedy is clear: do not eat them. The following steps will guide you through removing this risk from your home and resolving the purchase issue.
- Stop consumption immediately. If you have bags of “De Todito NATURAL” mixed chips or “De Todito BBQ” mixed chips containing chicharrón, put them aside right now. Do not taste them to check if they are spoiled. The issue is not whether the product looks or smells bad; it is that it was produced in a country ineligible for U.S. meat imports, meaning its safety history and processing standards have not been verified by federal authorities. Trust no part of these products.
- Inspect your storage areas. Check your pantry, kitchen cabinets, and any snack stashes. Look specifically for 45-gram foil bags with the following text on the label: “De Todito NATURAL” mixed chips with “CHICHARRÓN AMERICANO JACKS,” “Margarita,” and “NATU CHIPS”; or “De Todito BBQ” mixed chips with “CHICHARRÓN AMERICANO JACKS,” “Margarita,” and “NatuChips.” Note that these products do not bear any import marks on the labels, so you must rely on the brand name and product description to identify them.
- Dispose of or return the product. You have two options for handling the recalled items. First, you may throw the products away. Ensure they are sealed in a trash bag to prevent others, including pets, from accessing them. Second, you may return the items to the place of purchase. If you shop at retail locations in New Jersey, Utah, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, or Illinois, take the product back with your receipt if available. The distributor has shipped these items to specific states, and retailers should be aware of this recall.
- Contact the manufacturer for questions. If you have concerns about the product or need further clarification on the return process, you can contact Humberto Gallego, Owner of El Eden Import Distributor Corp., at Hhgl1968@gmail.com. This is the designated point of contact for consumers and media members regarding this specific recall action.
- Monitor your health if you have already eaten it. While there have been no confirmed reports of illness or injury from these products, potential risks remain unknown due to the lack of inspection data. If you or a family member experiences any symptoms after consuming the product, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
By following these steps, you help ensure that ineligible meat products do not re-enter the food chain and protect your household from potential harm. The FSIS is conducting recall effectiveness checks to verify that firms like El Eden are notifying customers and removing products from shelves, but your personal action is the most effective way to stay safe.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When you discover that a product you purchased is part of an official government recall, the immediate question is often, "What do I do with it, and how do I get my money back?" In this specific case involving El Eden Import Distributor Corp. and their ineligible pork crackling products, the remedy is straightforward but requires a bit of legwork on your part to ensure you are fully protected. It is important to understand that because these items were produced in Colombia—a country currently not eligible to export meat products to the United States—this is classified as a Class I recall, the most serious type. This means the primary goal is to remove the product from circulation entirely to prevent any potential legal or safety complications, rather than just offering a simple exchange for a different flavor.
Your first option, and arguably the most recommended step by food safety officials, is to dispose of the product immediately. You do not need to wait for permission to throw these items away. If you still have the 45-gram foil bags of "De Todito" mixed chips—whether they are the "NATURAL" variety with Jacks, Margarita, and NatuChips, or the "BBQ" version with the same ingredients—you should discard them in your regular trash. This ensures that no one else in your household or community accidentally consumes an ineligible product. Alternatively, if you prefer not to handle the disposal yourself, or if you want to ensure the product is officially removed from the supply chain, you can return the items directly to the place of purchase. Retailers are generally equipped to handle recalled goods and will process them according to their own internal safety protocols.
If you are seeking a financial remedy in the form of a refund, the recall notice provides specific contact information for the company responsible for the distribution. You should reach out to Humberto Gallego, the Owner of El Eden Import Distributor Corp., via email at Hhgl1968@gmail.com. When contacting them, it is helpful to have your proof of purchase ready, such as a receipt or credit card statement, though the notice does not explicitly state that a receipt is mandatory for a refund. Be clear in your communication that you are returning or discarding recalled "De Todito" products due to the FSIS announcement. While the recall facts do not detail specific timelines for when you will receive your money back, standard practice suggests that the distributor will process refunds once they verify the return or disposal of the ineligible goods.
It is also worth noting that there are no other "repair" options because these are consumable food items. Furthermore, there is no mention in the official record of a direct replacement program where you can swap these chips for another El Eden product. The focus here is strictly on removal and restitution. If you have questions about the process or if the distributor does not respond, you can also call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 for guidance. Remember, the goal is to ensure that no ineligible meat products remain in your home, so taking action promptly is the best way to protect yourself and your family.
What can happen if you ignore it
When you encounter a recall notice like this one from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), it is natural to feel a mix of confusion and hesitation. You might look at a bag of “De Todito” chips sitting in your pantry, see that they are still sealed, and think, “If it looks fine and smells fine, why would it be dangerous?” This is a very common human reaction. We are conditioned to trust our senses—our eyes, our nose, and our taste buds—as the ultimate arbiters of safety. However, in this specific case, ignoring the recall carries consequences that go far beyond a simple waste of food. The danger here is not necessarily about bacterial contamination or spoilage in the traditional sense; rather, it is about the fundamental lack of regulatory oversight that should have protected you.
The core issue with these pork crackling products is that they were produced in the Republic of Colombia, a country that does not currently hold eligibility to export meat products to the United States. This might sound like a bureaucratic technicality, but it represents a significant gap in the safety net designed to protect your health. The U.S. has strict import regulations for meat and poultry because these industries require rigorous inspection protocols to ensure that animals were raised and processed under conditions that meet American safety standards. These standards cover everything from animal health monitoring during life to sanitation procedures at slaughterhouses and processing plants. Because Colombia is not an eligible exporting country for these types of products, the specific pork cracklings in these bags bypassed the mandatory USDA inspections that verify meat is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled.
While the FSIS has confirmed there are no reports of illness or injury linked to these specific items so far, the absence of reported harm does not mean the risk is zero. When a product enters the U.S. market without going through the required veterinary and food safety inspections, we simply do not know what standards were applied during its production. There could be undisclosed health risks, improper labeling of allergens, or other violations of federal law that are not visible to the consumer. By continuing to eat these chips, you are essentially gambling with your health on a product that has never been vetted by the agency charged with keeping the U.S. food supply safe.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall undermines the broader public health infrastructure. Recalls like this are Class I actions, which is the FDA and FSIS’s highest level of classification, indicating a serious health hazard or violation of safety laws. When consumers disregard these notices, it becomes harder for authorities to track the scope of the problem and ensure that dangerous products are fully removed from circulation. This protects not just you, but your neighbors and community members who might buy the same product at a different store. The real-world consequence of ignoring this notice is that you continue to consume an unverified meat product in a market that relies on strict verification for safety. It is always safer to err on the side of caution with food imports, especially when the regulatory pathway was never established for that specific item.
Staying safe: broader tips
When it comes to imported food products, especially those containing meat or poultry ingredients, the most effective defense is a combination of vigilance and informed purchasing habits. While government agencies like the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) work tirelessly to monitor borders and enforce regulations, the final check often happens at the checkout counter and in your own kitchen. Understanding why certain imports are restricted can help you make safer choices without needing to memorize every regulatory update. The core issue with products from ineligible countries is not necessarily that the food is "bad" in taste or quality, but that it has bypassed the rigorous U.S. inspection systems designed to prevent contamination and disease. By knowing how these systems work, you can become a more proactive consumer.
One of the best ways to stay safe is to pay close attention to where your food comes from. Labels are your primary source of truth. Always look for the country of origin statement, which is legally required on most imported goods. If a product contains meat, poultry, or egg products and does not clearly state it was produced under USDA-equivalent standards in an eligible country, it is safer to avoid it. This applies particularly to specialty items like chicharrones (pork cracklings), dried meats, or snacks that may include animal-derived ingredients. These items are often processed in facilities that might not be subject to the same level of oversight as domestic U.S. plants. If the label lacks an establishment number or a clear country of origin for the meat component, it is a red flag worth heeding.
Beyond checking labels, consider diversifying where you shop. While online marketplaces and small international specialty stores offer unique finds, they may not always have the same rigorous supply chain verification as large, regulated grocery chains. Large retailers typically have their own compliance teams that vet suppliers against current USDA and FDA lists of eligible exporters. When buying from smaller distributors or direct importers, ask questions about their sourcing practices. Do they verify the eligibility of the foreign facility? Do they provide documentation upon request? A reputable supplier will be transparent and eager to prove their products meet U.S. safety standards.
Finally, stay connected with official recall alerts without letting them cause unnecessary anxiety. Sign up for email notifications from FSIS, the FDA, or your local health department. These updates are often brief and actionable, helping you quickly identify if a product in your pantry needs to be discarded. Remember that recalls are a normal part of a robust food safety system—they are not signs of failure but rather evidence that the system is working to protect you. If you ever suspect a product might be unsafe, or if you experience symptoms after eating something unfamiliar, do not wait for a recall notice. Contact your healthcare provider and report the incident to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854. Your awareness and quick action are powerful tools in keeping your family safe.