The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a large-scale recall involving Gold Star Distribution, Inc., due to insanitary conditions identified at one of its facilities. The recall applies to all FDA-regulated products listed in the company’s press release that were held at the affected location.
According to the FDA, inspectors found evidence of rodent excreta, rodent urine, and bird droppings in areas where medical devices, drugs, human food, pet food, and cosmetic products were stored. As a result, the agency determined that the facility was operating under conditions that created a significant risk of product contamination.
Scope of the Recall
Gold Star Distribution is recalling all FDA-regulated products that were stored at the facility, including:
- Drugs
- Medical devices
- Cosmetics
- Dietary supplements
- Human food products
- Animal and pet food products
The recall does not apply to products shipped directly to retail or convenience stores by manufacturers or distributors, including frozen and refrigerated items.
Health Risks Identified by the FDA
The FDA stated that products held under insanitary conditions may become contaminated through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or through airborne particulates associated with animal waste. Exposure to such products may pose serious health risks to consumers.
Rodents present several known health hazards, including the potential presence of Salmonella. The FDA noted that Salmonella infections can cause fever, diarrhea that may be bloody, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in otherwise healthy individuals. In rare cases, Salmonella can enter the bloodstream and lead to more severe conditions such as arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis.
The risk is higher for infants, young children, elderly individuals, pregnant persons, and people with weakened immune systems, including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplant recipients.
In addition, rodents serve as primary reservoirs for Leptospira, the bacteria responsible for leptospirosis in humans and animals. Products contaminated with filth, rodent excreta, or rodent urine may cause illness in animals that consume the food or in humans who come into contact with the products.
The FDA also warned that contaminated medical devices may increase the risk of device-associated infections. Similarly, contaminated drugs and foods may cause adverse health effects if ingested, while contaminated cosmetics applied to the skin or eyes may lead to irritation, infection, or other adverse reactions.
Distribution Locations
The recalled products were distributed to numerous retailers across several cities, primarily in Minnesota, as well as locations in Indiana and North Dakota. These include grocery stores, markets, delis, restaurants, gas stations, and other retail operations. The full list of distribution locations includes dozens of businesses in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, Bloomington, Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Brooklyn Center, Coon Rapids, Saint Cloud, Fargo, Indianapolis, and surrounding areas.
Current Status
As of the latest update from the FDA, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products.
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