- Date Issued: June 2, 2025
- Announced by: USDA’s FSIS on June 2, 2025
- Company: Croquetas La Mary LLC
- Product: Frozen Ham Croquettes “A Taste of Cuba”
- Issue: Misbranding and undeclared soy and sesame allergens
- Details: 1.96-lb. boxes, best by dates from Nov 2025–Jan 2026, shipped to Florida
- Take Action: Don’t eat it—check your freezer, return or toss it out
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading!
What Happened?
On May 31, 2025, the FSIS issued a public health alert (not a recall) for frozen not-ready-to-eat ham croquettes produced by Croquetas La Mary LLC, based in Pembroke Park, Florida. Why? Turns out their signature “A Taste of Cuba” croquettes had an ingredient swap gone wrong—a different type of breadcrumb was used, introducing soy and sesame allergens that never made it onto the label.
No recall was requested because the product is no longer in commerce, but some of these flavorful bites may still be chilling in home freezers.
Product Details:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC (if known) | Best By | Issue |
Croquetas La Mary | Ham Croquettes “Las que si tienen el sabor cubano” | 1.96 lb | N/A | Nov 2025 – Jan 2026 | Undeclared soy and sesame allergens |
Discovery & Distribution
The labeling error was caught during routine in-plant verification by FSIS—so, good on them for catching it before more consumers were affected. The croquettes were shipped to distributors in Florida, but there’s concern that people might still have them at home.
What Caused the Issue?
The problem began with what seemed like a small change: the manufacturer used a different breadcrumb ingredient in their ham croquettes. That new breadcrumb contained soy and sesame—two of the top nine allergens—but the labels were never updated to reflect it. That’s a big no-no in the world of food labeling and safety.
Why This Matters
While the croquettes themselves may be delicious (we’re sure they are), undeclared allergens are one of the most serious issues in food manufacturing. For individuals with soy or sesame allergies, eating even a small amount can trigger severe and even life-threatening reactions.
Common Symptoms of Soy and Sesame Allergies
- Hives, itching, or swelling of the skin
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Dizziness or fainting
- Anaphylaxis (a rapid, severe allergic reaction that can be fatal)
Who’s Most at Risk?
- Children with known food allergies
- People with soy or sesame allergies (often discovered in early childhood but can develop at any time)
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Seniors with underlying health conditions
- Consumers who rely on accurate labeling due to dietary restrictions
Even if you don’t have a known allergy, undeclared ingredients create uncertainty—especially for those managing multiple allergies or dietary needs.
10 Customer Questions You Might Have
- Q: What’s wrong with the ham croquettes?
A: They contain soy and sesame allergens that weren’t listed on the packaging. - Q: Are these allergens dangerous?
A: Yes, for people with soy or sesame allergies, consuming them can cause serious allergic reactions—even life-threatening anaphylaxis. - Q: Is this an official recall?
A: No, it’s a public health alert, not a full recall, because the affected product is no longer being sold. - Q: How do I know if I have this product?
A: Check for 1.96-lb. boxes labeled “A Taste of Cuba” croquettes with expiration dates from November 2025 to January 2026, and Est. 2725 on the USDA inspection mark. - Q: I already ate some—what should I do?
A: If you don’t have soy or sesame allergies, you’re likely fine. But if you feel unwell or allergic, seek medical advice immediately. - Q: Can I return the product?
A: Yes. You can return it to the store or safely discard it. - Q: Why wasn’t the allergy information listed?
A: The company used a different breadcrumb than usual, and the allergen content wasn’t updated on the packaging. - Q: Have there been any confirmed illnesses?
A: No confirmed cases have been reported so far, but caution is advised. - Q: I run a foodservice business—should I be concerned?
A: If you purchased or served these croquettes, it’s best to notify your customers, remove any leftovers, and follow up with your supplier. - Q: Where can I get more information?
A: Contact [email protected] or the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 for help.
Here’s What You Should Do
If you’ve got these croquettes in your freezer, here’s the game plan:
- Do not eat it—even if you love a good ham croquette
- Check the label for establishment number EST. 2725 and expiration dates from Nov 2025–Jan 2026
- Return it to the place of purchase or discard it safely
- Questions? Contact Hernesto Aguirre at [email protected] or FSIS via the online complaint form
Behind the Brand
Croquetas La Mary LLC, known for their authentic Cuban flavors, operates out of Pembroke Park, Florida under establishment ID M2725+P2725. While this is the first notable allergen-related alert for the brand, it follows a broader pattern of allergen mislabeling across the industry.
Other recent allergen-related alerts include:
- On May 22, 2025, the FSIS issued a public health alert for certain ready-to-eat chicken soup products under the Signature SELECT brand because of misbranding and undeclared allergen (wheat).
- On May 24, 2025, Santa Monica Seafood issued a voluntary recall after discovering that its Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing, sold under the Aldi brand, failed to declare soy on the packaging
- On May 21, 2025, Spanish Fork, Utah-based New Grains Gluten Free Bakery issued a recall after discovering a labeling error that left out the presence of major allergens in some of its baked goods.
- On May 13, 2025, NatureMills US Inc., a Texas-based food manufacturer, issued a voluntary recall of multiple food products due to the presence of undeclared allergens: wheat, milk, and sesame.
- On March 30, 2025, Fresh Creative Foods issued a voluntary recall for Trader Joe’s Hot Honey Mustard Dressing due to a labeling error that left out crucial allergen information.
“Clear labeling isn’t optional—it’s essential for keeping allergy-prone consumers safe. When allergens like soy or sesame are missed, it puts health at risk and erodes trust in the brand.” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring Safe Eats
This alert underscores a growing need for robust food labeling and traceability systems, especially for private label and co-manufactured goods. Misbranding and undeclared allergens can lead to life-threatening health issues and massive liability for brands.
To prevent these risks:
- Maintain strict ingredient verification
- Invest in real-time labeling audits
- Follow the food recall checklist for importers and co-manufacturers
At Source86, we believe ingredient safety shouldn’t be left to chance. Whether you’re managing private label production or sourcing bulk ingredients, we’re here to help you stay ahead of compliance.
Got questions about supplier due diligence or food traceability? Reach out to our team for high-quality, safe ingredients today!
