FDA recalls contaminated snacks and supplements in multiple states

Health authorities have initiated a sweeping recall of numerous consumer products, including food items, dietary supplements, cold and flu medications, pet foods, and personal care items, after discovering contamination at a Minnesota-based distribution facility. The recall comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found evidence of rodent and bird contamination at the Gold Star Distribution Inc. facility in Minneapolis, raising serious concerns about potential health risks to consumers.

According to the FDA, the contamination primarily involves rodent feces and urine, as well as bird droppings. Such contamination is particularly hazardous because it can carry pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Campylobacter. These bacteria can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, and, in extreme cases, hospitalization or death. The elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.

Scope of the Recall

The recall, which was officially issued on December 26, 2025, encompasses all FDA-regulated products stored at the Gold Star Distribution facility in Minneapolis. The affected items include a wide spectrum of products, ranging from over-the-counter medications to food items and pet supplies. Specifically, the recall covers:

• Cold and flu medications: DayQuil Cold & Flu, Tylenol Cold & Flu, Tylenol PM, Excedrin, Motrin, Alka-Seltzer Original, Benadryl, Advil Ibuprofen Tablets, Advil PM, and similar products.

• Food and snacks: JIF crunchy peanut butter, Pringles, Quaker corn meal, Haribo Gold Bears and Peaches, Extra gum, Gatorade, Skittles, and other common grocery items.

• Personal care and hygiene items: Colgate toothpaste, Gillette razors, and Tampax tampons.

• Pet foods: Purina Dog Chow, Meow Mix cat products, and other pet consumables.

While the majority of these products were distributed within the Minneapolis metropolitan area, some affected items were found in stores in Indiana, New York, Illinois, and North Dakota. The FDA emphasized that this recall applies only to products that were stored at the Gold Star facility in Minnesota. Items that were shipped directly to retailers or other distribution centers are not included.

Health Risks and Safety Concerns

Rodent and bird contamination poses a significant risk to public health. According to the FDA, rodent feces and urine are known carriers of harmful bacteria. Salmonella, in particular, is a common pathogen that infects an estimated 1.3 million Americans annually. Symptoms of salmonella infection include bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting. While many people recover without medical intervention, the infection can be life-threatening for vulnerable populations, resulting in approximately 420 deaths and 26,500 hospitalizations each year.

E. coli and Campylobacter, also commonly present in animal feces, can cause similar gastrointestinal symptoms. In severe cases, these bacteria can trigger long-term complications, including kidney failure or reactive arthritis. Health authorities urge consumers to avoid consuming any recalled products and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms consistent with bacterial infection.

Company Background and Previous Violations

Gold Star Distribution Inc. has a documented history of unsanitary practices. The FDA previously cited the company for significant rodent activity and general insanitary conditions. A 2018 inspection of the Minneapolis facility led to a formal warning letter, which highlighted similar issues, including the presence of rodent droppings, gnawed packaging, live and dead birds, dead rodents, and pervasive insect infestations. At the time, the FDA explicitly noted that these conditions presented a serious threat to product safety and public health.

Despite the previous warning, the latest inspection revealed that many of the same concerns persisted. FDA officials reported that the facility’s roof was leaking in multiple areas, and some products had spilled onto the floor. In some instances, bottles of bleach were leaking directly onto food products, including hot sauce and crunchy cheese curls. Additionally, food items that required refrigeration were found stored in unrefrigerated sections of the warehouse, compounding the risk of bacterial contamination.

Guidance for Consumers

The FDA and Gold Star Distribution have issued detailed instructions for consumers who may possess recalled products. Individuals are advised to immediately stop using any items distributed from the Minneapolis facility. Gold Star has recommended that consumers destroy affected products and provide proof of destruction to the company in order to qualify for a full refund. Verification can be sent to:

Gold Star Distribution Inc.
1000 N Humboldt Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55411

Consumers may also contact Gold Star directly at 612-617-9800, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, with any questions about the recall or to arrange for a refund.

In addition, the FDA encourages consumers to report any adverse reactions or suspected illnesses linked to the recalled products through the agency’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. This system allows health authorities to track potential outbreaks and respond more effectively to public health threats.

Impact on Local and Regional Retailers

The recall has affected dozens of retailers across multiple states. In the Minneapolis and St. Paul area alone, more than 30 grocery stores, halal markets, and specialty retailers were identified as having received contaminated products. Additional affected locations in surrounding states include stores in Indiana, North Dakota, and Minnesota’s other major urban centers. Notable retailers impacted include:

• Minneapolis area: African Halal Deli, Afrik Store, Brothers Imports, Central Market, Elliot Market, Oasis Market, La Picante Market, and numerous smaller grocery stores.

• Saint Paul area: Ashama Grocery, Ethio Market, Friendly Grocery & Deli, West Bank Market, and other local outlets.

• Other states: AIMMart International Market in Indianapolis, Fargo Halal Market in Fargo, and various specialty stores in Saint Cloud and Bloomington, Minnesota.

Retailers have been instructed to remove all recalled products from their shelves immediately and to work with Gold Star Distribution to facilitate returns and refunds. Store owners have been urged to sanitize affected areas to prevent cross-contamination of other products.

Broader Public Health Implications

This recall underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining food and pharmaceutical safety in large-scale distribution facilities. The presence of rodents and birds in warehouses can introduce a wide array of pathogens that threaten consumer health. Contamination at a single facility can have far-reaching consequences, especially when products are distributed across multiple states and to thousands of retail outlets.

Health experts note that such recalls are crucial in preventing widespread outbreaks of foodborne illness. Timely identification of contaminated products and prompt communication with consumers can reduce the incidence of illness and save lives. However, repeated violations by the same facility, as seen with Gold Star Distribution, highlight the importance of stricter enforcement and regular inspections to ensure compliance with FDA safety standards.

Conclusion and Recommendations

While no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall to date, the potential for severe bacterial infection is significant. Consumers are strongly advised to review the FDA’s official list of recalled products, destroy any affected items, and report adverse events if symptoms occur. Pet owners whose animals may have consumed recalled pet food should contact a veterinarian immediately.

The Gold Star Distribution case also serves as a reminder for companies handling food, supplements, and medical products to maintain rigorous sanitation practices. Contamination not only endangers public health but can also lead to substantial financial losses, legal repercussions, and reputational damage.

For detailed information about specific recalled products and guidance for disposal or refunds, consumers can access the FDA’s official recall page or contact Gold Star Distribution directly. Staying informed and vigilant is essential for protecting personal and family health in the wake of such widespread product contamination.

Stores Where Affected Products Were Sold

(Note: This table continues with a full list of over 50 affected retailers.)

This unprecedented recall highlights the critical need for ongoing vigilance in food safety and public health. Consumers are urged to take immediate action if they have purchased any products from the Gold Star facility, ensuring both personal safety and compliance with FDA guidance.

Emily Johnson

Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.