MN Grocery Distributor Recalls 2K Products Due to Rodent & Bird Infestations - Modern Distribution Management

MN Grocery Distributor Recalls 2K Products Due to Rodent & Bird Infestations

FDA investigators observed rodent feces and urine and live and dead birds in multiple storage areas of the company's facility.
Rodent infestation

A Minneapolis-based grocery distributor is recalling thousands of products after federal inspectors found unsanitary conditions at its warehouse, according to a Dec. 26 company notice posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Gold Star Distribution Inc. is recalling all FDA-regulated products that were stored at its facility, after an FDA inspection found evidence that products may have been exposed to rodent and bird contamination, including droppings, urine and nesting materials. The recall affects products distributed to customers throughout Minnesota, along with a single location in Fargo, ND and Indianapolis, IN.

The recall impacts nearly 2,000 products and extends to dozens of retail locations — primarily smaller food stores, gas stations and markets across the region. Gold Star’s announcement lists 54 stores that recalled products may have been distributed to. Some frozen and refrigerated products were not included in the recall if they were shipped directly from manufacturers and not stored at Gold Star’s facility.

The recalled items span a wide range of categories regulated by the FDA, including human food, pet food, dietary supplements, drugs, medical devices and cosmetics. Gold Star’s notice included a 44-page list document of the recalled products that span both local and national brands. The products were held in storage at the company’s warehouse prior to distribution.

Gold Star said FDA investigators observed rodent feces and urine and live and dead birds in multiple storage areas of the facility, creating conditions that could cause products to become contaminated or adulterated. Exposure to contaminated products could pose serious health risks to consumers and animals, including illness caused by bacteria such as Salmonella.

The recall was initiated by Gold Star Distribution with the knowledge of the FDA. As of the date of the announcement, no illnesses or adverse events had been reported in connection with the recalled products.

The company advised that customers who received affected products should stop selling or using them immediately and either destroy the products or return them to Gold Star. The company is requesting documentation of product destruction and is offering refunds upon verification.

The FDA said it will continue to work with Gold Star to ensure appropriate corrective actions are taken. Consumers and retailers with questions about the recall were advised to contact the company directly.

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