Archive · 30 Jan 2026
FDA Issues Class II Recall for Snacks
A company in Minneapolis called Gold Star Distribution had to recall a lot of snacks and other products like Cheerios, Nutella, Pringles, and even some medicines because they found yucky stuff like rodent poop and bird waste in their warehouse.
The food and other items might have gotten dirty before they were sold, so people are being told to throw them away.
The company sells to many stores in Minnesota and a couple in other states.
The government said it's not super dangerous, but it's better to be safe and not eat or use the recalled items.
The company is working with the government to fix the problem.
Gold Star Distribution issued a Class II recall for products like Cheerios, Nutella, Pringles, Coca-Cola, and more due to contamination by rodent and bird waste.
The recall affects approximately 50 retailers in Minnesota, one in Fargo, North Dakota, and one in Indianapolis, Indiana.
FDA inspectors found insanitary conditions, including rodent excreta, urine stains, and bird waste in the facility's storage areas.
The recalled products should be discarded immediately, with no returns accepted, and proof of destruction should be sent to the company.
The recall was announced on December 26, following the FDA's inspection of the facility at 1000 N. Humboldt Ave. in Minneapolis.
- Who
- Gold Star Distribution, a Minneapolis wholesaler
- What
- A Class II recall of various snacks, beverages, cosmetics, dietary supplements, pet food, and medical devices due to contamination by rodent and bird waste
- When
- December 26
- Where
- Facility located at 1000 N. Humboldt Ave., Minneapolis, affecting retailers in Minnesota, Fargo, and Indianapolis
- Why
- FDA inspectors found insanitary conditions, including rodent excreta, urine stains, and bird waste in areas where human food, pet food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices were stored
Consumer Safety Advocates
Retailers and Manufacturers
Severity of Health Risk
Consumer Safety Advocates
Emphasize potential health risks and advocate for stricter safety measures to prevent future contamination.
Retailers and Manufacturers
Argue that the recall is precautionary and that the risk to consumers is low, focusing on the lack of reported illnesses.
Recall Process Efficiency
Consumer Safety Advocates
Criticize the recall process for not being swift or comprehensive enough, demanding better tracking and notification systems.
Retailers and Manufacturers
Highlight the cooperation with the FDA and the voluntary nature of the recall as evidence of responsible action.
- Company
- Gold Star Distribution
- Location
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Recall Date
- December 26
- Affected Products
- Cheerios, Nutella, Pringles, Coca-Cola, Gatorade, Airheads, Cream of Wheat, Takis, Ramen, Maruchan noodles, Advil, Benadryl, Aleve, Ortega Taco Seasoning, Jolly Ranchers
- Retailers Affected
- 50 in Minnesota, 1 in Fargo, 1 in Indianapolis
- Reason for Recall
- Rodent and bird waste found in facility
- FDA Recall Class
- Class II
- Total Items Recalled
- Nearly 2,000
