Potato Chip Snacks Recalled After Containing Unauthorized Colombian Pork Cracklings

A popular packaged snack has been recalled in parts of the United States after federal food safety officials discovered that it contained pork cracklings imported from Colombia, a country that is not currently authorized to export meat or poultry products to the United States.

The recall involves approximately 264 pounds of potato chip snacks distributed by El Eden Import Distributor Corp., a food distributor based in Long Island City, New York. The affected products were distributed to retailers in New Jersey and Utah, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, commonly known as FSIS.

Consumers who may have purchased the recalled snacks are being advised not to eat them.

Why Were the Potato Chips Recalled?

The recall centers on the presence of chicharrón, a fried pork product also commonly referred to as pork cracklings.

According to FSIS, the affected snacks were manufactured in Colombia and entered the United States on July 28, 2026. Colombia is not authorized to ship meat or poultry products into the United States under the applicable federal import requirements.

Because the pork ingredient came from an ineligible source, the products were considered to be ineligible imported meat products, prompting federal officials to issue the recall.

The recall was announced on September 9, 2026, after El Eden Import Distributor Corp. learned about the issue and worked with FSIS to remove the affected products from distribution.

The situation highlights why federal rules governing imported meat products are important. These regulations are designed to ensure that meat and poultry entering the country meet U.S. food safety, inspection, and eligibility requirements.

Which Products Are Included in the Recall?

FSIS identified two types of 45-gram foil pouch products included in the recall.

The first product is labeled "De Todito NATURAL." The package contains a combination of snacks including:

• CHICHARRÓN AMERICANO JACKS
• Margarita potato chips
• NATU CHIPS

The second recalled product is labeled "De Todito BBQ." It contains:

• CHICHARRÓN AMERICANO JACKS
• Margarita
• NatuChips

Consumers should carefully check packages in their homes, particularly if they purchased De Todito snack products in New Jersey or Utah.

FSIS also reported that the affected packages did not contain labeling indicating that the products were imported. That lack of appropriate labeling was another issue identified during the investigation.

How Did Officials Find the Problem?

The investigation began after a consumer complaint was submitted to FSIS.

A consumer reported seeing De Todito branded snacks containing a combination of dried plantains, potato chips, and chicharrónes sourced from Colombia.

That complaint prompted FSIS officials to investigate the product and trace its distribution. The investigation eventually identified the shipment containing the unauthorized pork cracklings.

Consumer complaints can play an important role in food safety investigations. Information provided by shoppers can help regulators identify products that may otherwise remain in stores or consumers' homes.

In this case, the tip helped inspectors identify the shipment that is now subject to the recall.

Where Were the Recalled Snacks Sold?

The recalled potato chip snacks were distributed through a New Jersey distributor and ultimately reached retail locations in New Jersey and Utah.

FSIS said that some of the recalled products may still be in consumers' homes.

The agency is carrying out recall effectiveness checks to determine whether the distributor has successfully notified its retail customers and whether the affected products have been removed from sale.

A list of specific retail locations is expected to be made available through the FSIS recalls webpage when additional information becomes available.

Consumers who are unsure whether they purchased one of the affected products should check the packaging carefully and compare it with the details included in the official recall notice.

What Should Consumers Do With the Recalled Chips?

FSIS is advising consumers not to eat the recalled products.

If you have one of the affected packages at home, the safest approach is to either throw it away or return it to the retailer where it was purchased.

Consumers should not assume that cooking or otherwise preparing the snack will make an unauthorized imported meat product acceptable to eat. Instead, recalled products should be removed from household food supplies.

If you already consumed the product and are concerned about your health, FSIS recommends contacting a healthcare professional.

At this time, no illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with the recalled snacks, according to the federal agency.

That does not mean consumers should ignore the recall. Food recalls are precautionary measures intended to remove potentially noncompliant or unsafe products from the marketplace before they can cause harm.

What Is Chicharrón?

Chicharrón is a popular food made from pork, typically prepared by frying pork skin or pork pieces until they become crisp.

It is widely consumed throughout Latin America and is commonly known as pork cracklings in English-speaking markets.

In the recalled De Todito products, chicharrón was combined with other snack ingredients, including potato chips and dried plantains.

The presence of pork is particularly important for this recall because the issue is not simply related to the general snack ingredients. The federal action specifically concerns pork cracklings that originated from a country that is not authorized to export meat or poultry products to the United States.

Why Food Import Rules Matter

The United States maintains detailed requirements for imported meat and poultry products.

These rules help federal regulators verify where meat products originate, how they were processed, and whether they meet U.S. inspection and food safety standards.

Products that enter the country without meeting those requirements can be subject to regulatory action, including recalls.

The De Todito recall demonstrates how an investigation can begin with something as simple as a consumer complaint and eventually lead federal officials to a specific shipment and distribution network.

Where Can Consumers Get More Information?

Consumers looking for additional information should consult the official recall announcement from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The agency also provides food safety resources through its USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline. Consumers can additionally submit food safety complaints through the agency's Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System.

For questions specifically related to this recall, FSIS identified Humberto Gallego, owner of El Eden Import Distributor Corp., as a contact for additional information.

Because recall information can change as investigations continue, consumers should rely on official FSIS updates for the latest information about affected products, retailers, and distribution areas.

Final Takeaway

The recall of approximately 264 pounds of potato chip snacks serves as a reminder that food recalls can involve unexpected products and ingredients.

The affected De Todito snacks contain chicharrón, or pork cracklings, sourced from Colombia, and were recalled because the meat ingredient came from a country that is not authorized to export meat or poultry products to the United States.

The recalled products were distributed in New Jersey and Utah, and FSIS believes some packages may still be in consumers' homes.

If you have purchased one of the recalled products, do not eat it. Discard it or return it to the store where you bought it. Anyone with health concerns after consuming the product should contact a healthcare professional.

Consumers should also monitor the official FSIS recall page for updates as federal officials continue their effectiveness checks.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, recall announcement dated September 9, 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes and is based on information available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service. Recall details, affected products, and distribution information may change as the investigation develops. Consumers should verify the latest information directly with FSIS or other appropriate authorities. This article is not medical advice. Anyone experiencing symptoms or concerned about possible exposure should consult a qualified healthcare professional.