Minnesota-based wholesaler Gold Star Distribution, Inc. has announced the recall of nearly 2,000 products due to the presence of rodent and avian contamination, according to a news release from The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA “determined that the facility was operating under insanitary conditions, including the presence of rodent excreta, rodent urine, and bird droppings in areas where medical devices, drugs, human food, pet food, and cosmetic products were held,” the release reads.
“These conditions create a significant risk that products held at the facility may have been contaminated with filth and harmful microorganisms,” it says.
The FDA warns that anyone who handled or consumed Gold Star products, like Cheerios, Sour Patch Kids, or Red Bull, could become “seriously ill.”
Salmonella is one of the potential risks, according to the release.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, the FDA writes.
“In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis,” the release reads.
Rodents are also the main reservoirs of Leptospira, the bacteria that causes leptospirosis in humans and animals, according to the FDA.
Leptospirosis symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Some people may suffer a more severe second phase with kidney or liver failure, or inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), according to the CDC.
No illnesses have been reported as of Dec. 26, the FDA reports.
The stores affected are located in Minnesota, along with one store in Fargo, N.D. and one store in Indianapolis, according to the release.
For a comprehensive list of affected products, shoppers can visit the FDA website.
Anyone who has purchased the affected products has been advised to destroy the products as soon as possible and verify such destruction by receipt provided to Gold Star at 1000 N. Humboldt Ave, Minneapolis, MN.
“Products should not be shipped back to Gold Star under any circumstances,” the release reads.
“Gold Star will provide refunds upon request.”
The FDA also advised any shoppers that have experienced problems related to using these products to contact their physician or health care provider.
Customers with concerns about their pets who have eaten the recalled animal food products should contact their veterinarian, the release says.
For any additional questions, contact Gold Star at 612-617-9800, 7 days a week, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Central Standard Time.
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