Gold Star Distribution Inc., a Minnesota-based wholesaler, has issued a massive recall covering thousands of popular food, beverage, health, beauty, and household items after federal inspectors discovered evidence of rodent and bird contamination at its distribution center. The affected products, distributed to stores in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Indiana, include Diet Coke, Nutella, Froot Loops, Pringles, Cheerios, Folgers instant coffee, Sour Patch Kids, Fiji Water, Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, hair gel, mouthwash, pregnancy tests, and deodorant, prompting an FDA Class II recall due to potential health risks from filth and harmful microorganisms.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall, after uncovering "insanitary conditions" at the Gold Star facility, including rodent droppings, rodent urine, and bird waste. The FDA warned that handling or consuming the products could cause serious illness due to adulteration from pests, including rodents, birds, and insects, creating a significant risk of contamination with filth and harmful microorganisms.
The recall is classified as Class II, indicating the products may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or a remote probability of serious harm. A complete list of recalled items and affected retail locations is available on the FDA's website.
This sweeping recall comes amid a wave of recent food safety actions. The FDA recently announced a voluntary recall of more than 80,000 McCafé Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup pods sold by Keurig Dr Pepper after discovering the pods could contain regular, full-caffeine coffee despite being labeled decaffeinated. Separately, the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service recalled more than 13,000 pounds of ready-to-eat grilled chicken breasts over fears of listeria monocytogenes contamination.
