Lydia’s Lechon booth at the Fiesta America on } Contributed Photo
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Filipino food enthusiasts and curious shoppers got a flavorful treat at this year’s Philippine Fiesta in America, where Lydia’s Lechon Global USA showcased its signature All-Around Sauce to a bustling crowd. The American Dream Mall became the perfect stage for the sauce’s renewed presence in the U.S., marking a confident return after a partial ban on several Filipino sauces, including lechon sauce, in 2024 due to FDA concerns over certain additives.
Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued Import Alert No. 99-45, flagging various Filipino condiments for containing ingredients deemed unsafe, such as BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), potassium iodate, and benzoates. While potassium iodate is used in the Philippines for its stability in hot, humid climates, the FDA raised regulatory concerns over its use alongside other preservatives.
At the booth, Thelle and Rafa Rivera warmly welcomed fiesta-goers, inviting them to spin the prize wheel and sample Lydia’s All-Around Sauce. They shared their excitement at bringing the brand to such a high-profile venue: “We’re thrilled to be here at American Dream and to finally showcase Lydia’s Lechon Sauce to everyone,” they said. “It’s wonderful to see how much people enjoy it.”
Visitors lined up for giveaways, tote bags, stress balls, and most importantly, a taste of Lydia’s classic sauce, now labeled for U.S. compliance. Behind the smiles and selfies, the response was overwhelmingly positive.
One attendee summed up the excitement: “We had a chance to try Lydia’s and it was delicious.” Others praised the sauce for its “great taste and excellent quality,” while noting that it was “competitively priced for the quality you get.”
For many visitors, it was a nostalgic experience. “We found Filipino made sauces to be really excellent,” said one guest. Another added, “Tried Lydia’s All Around Sauce out of curiosity and surprisingly, it’s fantastic!”
This showcase was also about connection. For Filipino Americans, having Lydia’s Lechon Sauce available locally means a piece of home is now within reach. As one customer remarked, “It would be great if Lydia’s All Around Sauce was available in every store.”
A lively prize wheel kept energy high, while a bold banner proclaiming “Sarsa Sarap, Now Available in the USA” captured Lydia’s comeback after navigating regulatory hurdles and reentering the market with renewed compliance and confidence. Adding to its distinction, Lydia’s stood out as the only booth offering a lechon sauce, giving the brand a unique spotlight at the event.
With strong feedback and a warm reception at the Philippine Fiesta, Lydia’s Lechon Global USA is setting its sights on broader distribution. Lydia’s Lechon Sauce promises to be both a staple for the community and a favorite for adventurous food lovers everywhere.
