- Date Issued: May 17, 2025
- Announced By: USDA’s FSIS on May 20, 2025
- Company: Snack Mania Brazilian Delights Corp.
- Product: Snack Mania Coxinhas Brazilian Stuffed Bites Original Chicken
- Issue: Produced without benefit of USDA inspection
- Product Details: 16.37-oz plastic packages, sold in multiple U.S. states
- What to Do: Toss it, return it, or reach out to the brand
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading!
What Happened?
Chicken bites without Uncle Sam’s stamp? Not on FSIS’s watch. Snack Mania Brazilian Delights Corp., a New Jersey-based brand known for Brazilian snacks, has recalled approximately 9,722 pounds of frozen ready-to-eat chicken coxinhas. Why? They skipped a pretty important step—federal inspection.
The USDA’s FSIS discovered the issue during routine surveillance. Turns out, these crispy little chicken snacks were made in a facility that didn’t get the USDA thumbs-up and, unsurprisingly, lacked the USDA inspection mark. This means the product didn’t go through federally mandated food safety protocols.
Recall Details Table:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Snack Mania | Coxinhas Brazilian Stuffed Bites Original Chicken | 16.37 oz | Not specified | 6/27/24–5/2/25 | No USDA inspection |
Distribution: The uninspected coxinhas were distributed to retailers in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
What Caused the Issue?
Let’s cut to the chicken: these coxinhas flew under the regulatory radar.
Snack Mania’s chicken coxinhas were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, meaning the facility where they were made was not overseen by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). And that’s not just a technical oops—it’s a serious food safety violation.
Why USDA Inspection Matters
The USDA doesn’t just hand out stamps of approval for fun. Inspection ensures that meat and poultry products:
- Are produced in sanitary conditions
- Meet labeling requirements
- Follow temperature and handling protocols
- Are free from contamination or adulteration
When a product skips inspection, it skips all that oversight. In short, you don’t know what you’re eating—or how safe it is.
Risks of Consuming Uninspected Meat
- Uncontrolled Handling: No inspection means it’s unclear how the chicken was processed, stored, or cooked.
- Cross-Contamination Risks: Facilities not under inspection may fail to prevent cross-contamination with allergens or bacteria.
- Unknown Ingredient Quality: There’s no vetting of where the ingredients came from or if they meet safety standards.
Who’s Most at Risk?
While no illnesses have been reported so far, some individuals are more vulnerable if the product turns out to be contaminated:
- Young children
- Pregnant people
- Older adults
- Immunocompromised individuals
Possible Symptoms of Foodborne Illness:
Even without a confirmed contaminant, if the product was mishandled, symptoms could include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
If symptoms occur, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
10 Customer Questions you may have
Q1: Is it dangerous to eat uninspected chicken?
A: Potentially. Without inspection, there’s no way to guarantee the chicken was safely handled or cooked to proper temperatures.
Q2: What if I already ate the product and feel fine?
A: If you have no symptoms, you’re likely okay—but stay alert. If symptoms develop, consult a healthcare provider.
Q3: How do I check if my package is part of the recall?
A: Look for “Snack Mania Coxinhas Brazilian Stuffed Bites Original Chicken” in a 16.37-oz. plastic package, produced between June 27, 2024, and May 2, 2025.
Q4: Why wasn’t the USDA involved from the start?
A: The product was made in a facility that wasn’t federally inspected—this bypasses USDA oversight.
Q5: Can I return the product to the store?
A: Yes. Stores should honor returns for recalled items. Alternatively, dispose of it properly.
Q6: What are the risks for pregnant individuals?
A: Pregnant people are more susceptible to foodborne illness, which can affect both parent and baby. Avoid any potentially unsafe meat.
Q7: Are there legal consequences for the brand?
A: The USDA may take regulatory action, depending on the brand’s compliance and follow-up.
Q8: How do I report illness or problems with the product?
A: Use the USDA’s Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System or call the USDA hotline at 888-674-6854.
Q9: Is this a first-time issue with Snack Mania?
A: Yes, this is their first known recall related to USDA inspection.
Q10: Should I stop buying from this brand altogether?
A: Not necessarily, but it’s wise to monitor future compliance and stay informed about recalls.
Here’s What You Should Do
Here’s how to handle it like a recall pro:
- Toss It or Return It: Do not consume. Return to the store or dispose of safely.
- Check the Label: Look for “Coxinhas Brazilian Stuffed Bites Original Chicken” in a 16.37-oz. plastic package.
- No Inspection Mark: That’s your red flag.
- Contact Info:
- Snack Mania Brazilian Delights Corp.
- Camilla Gomes-Alvez, Owner
- 908-875-1324
- [email protected]
Behind the Brand
Snack Mania Brazilian Delights Corp. is a niche restaurant and food brand based in Elizabeth, New Jersey, known for bringing authentic Brazilian flavors—like the beloved coxinha—to the U.S. market. This is their first public recall, and hopefully, their last.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only recent misstep in the food world. Similar oversight-driven recalls happened this month:
- On May 16, 2025, Fijian Import & Export Co. Inc. recalled approximately 127 pounds of imported FOUR ‘N TWENTY Traveller Philly Cheesesteak Pastries because of failure to present the meat pies to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for mandatory import reinspection—a required safety protocol for all meat and poultry products entering the U.S.
- On April 30, 2025, Ferrarini USA, Inc. issued a recall of around 70 pounds of its imported, ready-to-eat sliced prosciutto. Why? Because the meat skipped a critical step in its U.S. debut—mandatory import reinspection by the USDA’s FSIS.
- On March 31, 2025, Allen Family Foods recalled its White Chicken Chili due to product imported without FSIS reinspection.
- On February 12, 2025, The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall of approximately 33,899 pounds of beef tallow processed by Common Sense Soap without the required federal inspection.
- On December 20, 2024, Impero Foods & Meats, Inc. issued a recall of approximately 7,485 pounds of raw pork sausage product because these items had been produced without the required federal inspection.
“When a product skips inspection, it skips trust. Recalls like this aren’t just paperwork—they’re real reminders of how critical every step of food safety is. It’s not just about ticking regulatory boxes—it’s about protecting people and building confidence in the products we deliver. As an industry, we all share the responsibility to keep the supply chain clean, safe, and transparent—from the first ingredient to the final bite.”— Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
Even one missed inspection can ripple through the entire supply chain. It’s a reminder that process matters just as much as product.
Ensuring Safe Eats
What does this mean for the broader food industry? It’s a wake-up call about compliance, traceability, and food safety protocols—especially for bulk buyers, co-packers, and private label brands.
In a world where one overlooked inspection can lead to nearly 10,000 pounds of waste (not to mention risk), companies need robust food traceability systems, supplier due diligence, and a recall communication checklist in place. And yes, every meat and poultry product must have that USDA stamp.
For more insights, tips, and ingredient sourcing with zero surprises, reach out to our team at Source86 or explore our range of high-quality, fully compliant products today. Safe snacking starts here. Let’s connect!
