If you recently bought a bag of De Todito snacks in New Jersey or Utah, you might want to check your pantry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a recall for about 264 pounds of these popular Colombian snack mixes because they contain pork rinds imported from Colombia—a country not currently authorized to ship pork products to the United States.
The recall, announced by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), affects two varieties of De Todito snacks: Natural and BBQ. Both come in 45-gram aluminum foil bags and combine potato chips, plantain chips, and fried pork skins—a beloved combo for many in the Latino community, especially those with roots in Colombia.
Why the recall happened
This isn't about bacteria or foodborne illness. The issue is purely administrative: Colombia isn't on the list of countries eligible to export pork to the U.S., so bringing in these pork rinds violates federal import regulations. The shipment entered the country in late July through El Eden Import Distributor Corp, a Queens-based company that is cooperating with authorities to pull the products off shelves.
FSIS began investigating after a consumer complaint flagged the imported Colombian snacks. Inspectors found that the packages lacked the required federal marks of inspection, making it harder for consumers to identify the non-compliant items—so they're relying on product descriptions instead.
For many in the diaspora, snacks like these are a taste of home. But this recall is a reminder that even beloved imports must follow strict U.S. food safety and trade laws. As Colombian culture continues to make waves in the U.S., it's important to know what's in your favorite treats.
What to look for
If you have any 45-gram bags of De Todito Natural or BBQ, check the label for ingredients like Chicharrón Americano Jacks, Margarita, or Natu Chips. These are the ones affected. The bags don't have the USDA inspection stamp, so you'll need to rely on the brand and flavor.
So far, there have been zero reported illnesses linked to these snacks. Still, FSIS is conducting effectiveness checks to make sure retailers in New Jersey and Utah have removed the products from their shelves. A full list of retail locations is expected to be posted on the FSIS website soon.
What you should do
If you bought these snacks, don't eat them. You can either throw them away or return them to the store for a refund. If you have any health concerns, contact your healthcare provider. For questions about the recall, you can reach out to the importing distributor, El Eden Import Distributor Corp.
This recall is a good reminder to always check the labels on imported foods, especially when they contain meat products. While it's frustrating to lose a favorite snack, it's better to be safe than sorry. And who knows—maybe this will spark a conversation about Colombian representation in the U.S. beyond just food.
For now, if you're in New Jersey or Utah, take a quick look at your pantry. If you find a bag of De Todito, you know what to do.
