by Minneapolis, Minnesota — Nearly 2,000 products sold across dozens of retail locations in Minnesota have been recalled after federal inspectors uncovered rodent feces, urine, and bird droppings inside a north Minneapolis distribution facility, raising serious public health concerns.
The recall was announced Friday by U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which said the affected items were distributed by Gold Star Distribution. While no illnesses have been reported so far, officials say the contamination risk is significant enough to warrant immediate action by consumers and retailers.
What prompted the recall
According to the FDA, the recall was issued after an inspection revealed unsanitary storage conditions at Gold Star Distribution’s warehouse in north Minneapolis. Inspectors documented rodent feces and urine, along with bird droppings, in areas where products were stored prior to distribution.
Federal regulators warned that exposure to contaminated products could allow harmful bacteria to spread, especially in items that are ingested, applied to the skin, or used for medical purposes.
The FDA emphasized that the recall is precautionary, but necessary to protect public health given the nature and scope of the contamination.
Products included in the recall
The recall affects a wide range of items — nearly 2,000 products in total — spanning multiple consumer categories. Recalled items include:
- Cold and flu medications
- Medical devices
- Cosmetics and personal care products
- Dietary supplements
- Human and pet food products
- Popular snacks and candies
Gold Star Distribution clarified that the recall does not include products shipped directly from manufacturers to retail or convenience stores, such as frozen or refrigerated items that bypassed the Minneapolis facility.
The FDA confirmed that 54 stores across Minnesota received products tied to the recall.
Health risks linked to contamination
The FDA warned that exposure to contaminated products could pose serious health risks, particularly due to the possible presence of salmonella.
Salmonella infections can be severe or potentially fatal, especially for infants, young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and dehydration.
In addition, both humans and animals exposed to contaminated products may be at risk of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can cause flu-like symptoms, headaches, muscle aches, and, in severe cases, liver or kidney complications.
The FDA also noted that risks vary by product type:
- Food and drugs may cause adverse health effects if ingested
- Medical devices could increase the risk of infection
- Cosmetics or products applied to the skin or eyes may lead to irritation, infection, or other reactions
What consumers and retailers should do
Consumers and retailers who purchased items impacted by the recall are being urged to stop using the products immediately.
The FDA and Gold Star Distribution have instructed that affected products should be destroyed as soon as possible. Retailers must also provide proof of destruction to Gold Star in order to qualify for reimbursement.
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Refunds will be provided upon request once proof of destruction is submitted, according to Gold Star Distribution.
Consumers who believe they may have purchased recalled items should avoid using them and monitor for any symptoms of illness, particularly those associated with salmonella or leptospirosis.
No illnesses reported — but caution urged
At this time, the FDA says no illnesses or injuries have been linked to the recalled products. Still, health officials are urging caution due to the scale of the recall and the types of contamination found at the facility.
The agency stressed that contamination involving rodents and birds presents a high-risk scenario, especially when products include medications, food, and medical supplies that consumers rely on daily.
Where to find the full recall list
A complete list of all affected products has been published on the FDA’s official website. The agency recommends that consumers and retailers carefully review the list to determine whether any items in their possession are included.
Because many of the recalled products are common household items, officials say some consumers may not immediately realize they have purchased affected goods.
What happens next
The FDA has not announced whether further enforcement actions will be taken against Gold Star Distribution, but inspections and compliance reviews are ongoing. Officials say the agency will continue monitoring the situation to ensure corrective measures are implemented before any products return to circulation.
For now, the recall serves as a reminder of the importance of strict sanitation standards in food and product storage facilities.
Have you checked your home or store shelves for recalled items? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments, and let others know what to watch for as the recall unfolds.
