Cheerios, other foods recalled after FDA finds rodent waste at facility
Gold Star Distribution, Inc. has recalled thousands of products spanning food, beverages, drugs, cosmetics, and pet foods after the Food and Drug Administration found unsanitary conditions at a Minneapolis facility, including rodent and bird waste.
The affected items were sold in Indiana, Minnesota, and North Dakota, per the FDA.
What To Know
The FDA said products from the factory could be contaminated through exposure to airborne particles from animal waste and urine that was on-site, posing risks such as salmonellosis (from Salmonella) and leptospirosis, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The recalled items were distributed to over 50 locations across Indiana, Minnesota, and North Dakota.
In Minnesota, impacted cities include: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Burnsville, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Columbia Heights, Saint Cloud, Apple Valley, New Hope, Shakopee, Coon Rapids and Hilltop.
In Indiana, Indianapolis was the only affected city, and in North Dakota, only Fargo was affected.
The recall was issued last month, and the FDA raised its severity level to Class II on January 22. A Class II recall is defined by exposure to a product that “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” or “where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
What products were impacted by the FDA’s fecall?
The FDA posted a comprehensive list of where the recalled items were sold.
A full list of the recalled Gold Star products, includingSKUs, is available online. Some items include common over-the-counter drugs like liquid DayQuil and Tylenol, cereals like Cheerios and Frosted Flakes, snacks like Pringles, Kraft Mac and Cheese and Nutella, and pantry items like Heinz ketchup and vinegar.
Some pet food items from notable brands such as Purina, Friskies, and Fancy Feast were also on the list.
The recall does not apply to products shipped by the manufacturer to retail and convenience stores, such as all frozen and refrigerated items.
What to do if your products were recalled
The FDA advised consumers to “destroy” any affected products and to contact Gold Star to request a refund. Products should not be shipped back to the Minneapolis-based facility.
Gold Star can be contacted at: (612) 617-9800, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.
What other products have been recalled recently?
Gerber Products Company recently recalled limited batches of Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits as they may contain plastic or paper pieces that should not be consumed.
Last month, more than 80,000 Keurig cups were recalled over inaccurate labeling.
What happens next
The FDA’s Class II designation signals continued monitoring and potential updates to enforcement records. Consumers should consult the FDA’s list to confirm whether specific UPCs/SKUs are included in the recall.
Newsweek