Gold Star Distribution, Inc. recalled thousands of products, including food, pet food, cosmetics and drugs, that were distributed in three states, according to an announcement by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Nearly 2,000 items were pulled from shelves after they were found to be contaminated by rodents and birds.
The recall, which was first announced on Dec. 26, followed an FDA inspection that found the Minneapolis-based facility was operating under “unsanitary conditions, including the presence of rodents, rodent urine and bird droppings.”
The company is urging customers who purchased the affected items to “destroy the products as soon as possible,” according to the recall notice.
On Jan. 22, the FDA assigned a Class II recall, indicating that use of the affected products “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects or where the likelihood of serious adverse health effects is low,” according to the organization.
As a result, affected products may have come into contact with surfaces contaminated by flying animal waste. According to People, exposure to these products could lead to illnesses such as salmonella or leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by contact with animal urine.
Affected products were shipped to stores in Indiana, Minnesota and North Dakota.
Which items were affected?
The recall includes a wide variety of items such as cosmetics, medications, pet food, household items, and food and beverages. Popular candies like Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, and Sour Patch Kids were included, along with snacks like Pringles, Takis, and spreads like Nutella.
Breakfast products were also affected, including boxes of Cheerios and Kellogg’s Rice Krispies. Additionally, several beverages have reportedly been recalled, including Gatorade, Coca-Cola, Smart Water, and Arizona Iced Tea. Common pantry items such as Heinz ketchup, Crisco oil and cinnamon sticks were among the affected products.
Others include Pepto Bismol, Ax body spray, Q-Tip cotton swabs, Fancy Feast cat food and Gillette razors.
Consumers and retailers who purchased the recalled products are advised to confirm their destruction by submitting a receipt to Gold Star at 1000 N. Humboldt Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411, the company said, adding that the products should not be returned to Gold Star and refunds will be issued by Gold Star upon request.
