Minneapolis distributor recalls hundreds of items over rodent contamination
The FDA has ordered Minneapolis-based Gold Star Distribution, Inc. to recall all regulated products—including drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, dietary supplements and shelf-stable foods—after inspectors found rodents, rodent urine and bird droppings in warehouse areas where items for humans and pets were stored. The recall, which affects hundreds of products such as JIF peanut butter, Pringles, rice and ramen distributed to more than 50 stores statewide, warns of potential Salmonella and other contamination and urges consumers and retailers to destroy affected items; frozen and refrigerated products shipped directly from manufacturers are not included, and no illnesses have been reported so far.
📌 Key Facts
- Gold Star Distribution, Inc., based in Minneapolis, is recalling all FDA-regulated products it holds, spanning food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics and dietary supplements.
- FDA inspectors found evidence of rodents, rodent urine and bird droppings in storage areas, creating a significant risk of contamination with filth and harmful microorganisms including Salmonella.
- Recalled products were sent to more than 50 Minnesota stores and include common items like JIF peanut butter, Pringles, various rice brands and ramen; consumers and retailers are instructed to destroy affected items immediately, while frozen and refrigerated goods shipped directly from manufacturers are not covered by the recall.
📊 Relevant Data
Gold Star Distribution received an FDA warning letter in 2018 for significant evidence of rodent activity, insanitary conditions, and failure to exclude pests, leading to adulterated food products.
Gold Star Distrbution., Inc. - 562931 - 10/19/2018 — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Rodent activity in the U.S. Midwest increased by 76% year-over-year as of October 2025, posing heightened risks to food safety in facilities like warehouses.
New Report: Rodent Activity Surges Nationwide, Threatening Food Safety — Food Safety Magazine
Minnesota has the largest Somali population in the United States, with approximately 107,000 people of Somali descent as of 2024, representing about 2% of the state's total population.
By the numbers: Minnesota's Somali population, according to Census data — KTTC
The poverty rate among Somali immigrants in Minnesota is 37.5% for adults, compared to 9.3% for the general adult population in the state.
Somali Immigrants in Minnesota — Center for Immigration Studies
Somali immigration to Minnesota was primarily driven by refugee resettlement programs, with many fleeing the civil war in Somalia and being sponsored by organizations like Lutheran and Catholic churches.
How Minnesota became a hub for Somali immigrants in the U.S. — NPR
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