Feds sue Minneapolis distributor over rodent-tainted goods
The Department of Justice sued Gold Star Distribution Inc. and its owner on Sept. 11, 2026, asking a federal court to bar the Minneapolis warehouse from operating until it meets health and safety rules.[1]
An FDA inspection from Nov. 17-Dec. 18, 2025 found live and dead rodents, live and dead birds, worms, extensive droppings and leaking trash inside the warehouse.[1] FDA lab tests later detected rodent urine, droppings, hair and gnaw holes in product packaging, and regulators say the contamination justifies a court-ordered shutdown until the company complies.[1]
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture revoked the warehouse's wholesale license in November 2025.[1] The agency had cited the site for pest problems since 2012 and ordered Gold Star to stop distributing drugs without a pharmacy license.[1]
Gold Star's inventory included Enfamil infant formula, common over-the-counter medicines, cat foods, rice, pregnancy tests and hygiene products, about 75% of which regulators say are FDA-regulated.[1] Company executives have submitted written remediation plans, but the DOJ argues those fixes have not eliminated ongoing public-health risks and is seeking a permanent injunction.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- DOJ filed a civil complaint on Sept. 11, 2026 seeking a permanent injunction against Gold Star Distribution Inc. and its owner in federal court.
- An FDA inspection from Nov. 17–Dec. 18, 2025 documented 9 live and 17 dead rodents, 8 live birds, 1 dead bird, 5 worms, extensive droppings and urine, structural holes and leaking trash inside the Minneapolis warehouse.
- Gold Star’s inventory includes Enfamil infant formula, common OTC drugs like Tylenol, Advil and DayQuil, cat foods, rice, pregnancy tests and hygiene products, about 75% of which are FDA‑regulated.
- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has cited the warehouse for pest problems since 2012 and revoked its wholesale license in November 2025 while also ordering it to stop distributing drugs without a pharmacy license.
- FDA lab tests confirmed rodent urine, droppings, hair and gnaw holes in product packaging; Gold Star has submitted written remediation plans but regulators say ongoing risks justify a court‑ordered shutdown until compliance.
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