Cheerios and Pringles among products in upgraded recall across five states over rat contamination at Minnesota distributor

A recall of nearly 2,000 products has been upgraded to the second-highest safety level over concerns of rat and bird feces contamination.

Gold Star Distribution issued a massive recall last month of all FDA-regulated products held at its Minneapolis Facility after the agency found evidence of rodent feces and urine and bird droppings.

Last week, the FDA upgraded the recall to Class II, and warned: ‘Persons handling or consuming the products could become seriously ill due to adulteration from pests, including rodents, birds and insects.’

A Class II recall is used in ‘a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.’

The FDA inspected the facility and determined it was operating under unsanitary conditions, including the presence of bird and rodent droppings in areas ‘where medical devices, drugs, human food, pet food, and cosmetic products were held.’

Officials warned that feces and urine contamination can raise the risk of consumers contracting harmful bacteria such as salmonella, which infects more than a million Americans a year and is especially dangerous for those with weakened immune systems such as young children and older adults. 

The recall, originally issued December 26, includes all cold and flu medications, dietary supplements, food, pet food, cosmetics and medical devices from the Minneapolis facility.

The majority of products were distributed to stores in the Minneapolis area, but some were found in Indiana, New York, Illinois and North Dakota.

Select Cheerios cereal products are included in the recall (file photo)

Affected cold and flu products include DayQuil Cold & Flu, Tylenol Cold & Flu, Tylenol PM, Excedrin, Motrin, Alka-Seltzer Original, Benadryl, Advil Ibuprofen Tablets and Advil PM, among others.

Other recalled products include JIF crunchy peanut butter, Pringles, Cheerios cereal, Quaker corn meal, Haribo gold bears and peaches, Extra gum, Gatorade, Skittles, Gillette razors, Trojan condoms, Purina dog chow, Meow Mix cat products, Colgate toothpaste and Tampax tampons.

The company has previously been cited by the FDA for unsanitary conditions, including for ‘significant rodent activity and insanitary conditions.’ 

In 2018, the agency sent a warning letter to Gold Star following an inspection of its Minneapolis facility, the same one tied to the most recent recalls.

A full list of affected products can be found on the FDA’s website. The recall only applies to products held at the Gold Star facility in Minnesota. It does not affect products shipped directly to retailers.

No illnesses have been reported.

Gold Star said: ‘Products held under insanitary conditions may become contaminated.

‘Exposure to contaminated products can pose serious health risks to consumers, including the potential for bacterial contamination, which may result in illness or infection, including salmonella.’

‘Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program,’ the company added.  

Tylenol PM (left) and Excedrin (right) were two products at the Minneapolis facility that were subject to the recall

Gold Star advised consumers to destroy affected products and provide a receipt of destruction to the company to qualify for a refund. 

For verification and a refund, proof of destruction can be sent to Gold Star Distribution at 1000 N Humboldt Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

Consumers with questions can also contact the company at 612-617-9800 any day from 8am to 5pm central time.

In the warning letter to Gold Star following an inspection of its Minneapolis facility, FDA employees wrote that they found ‘significant evidence of rodent activity and insanitary conditions,’ including rodent droppings, rodent hair, gnawed open packaging, live and dead birds, live fruit flies and dead rodents. 

The roof also ‘appeared to be leaking in several areas of the facility,’ and several products had spilled on to the floor. Bottles of bleach were also ‘leaking onto a pallet of hot sauce crunchy cheese curls,’ and food meant to be refrigerated was in unrefrigerated sections. 

It’s unclear if Gold Star responded to the letter.  

Salmonella is one of the most common forms of bacteria found in animal feces. Infecting 1.3 million Americans every year, it leads to bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, vomiting and loss of appetite.

While most people recover on their own or have no symptoms, the bacteria can be especially dangerous to young children and the elderly, both of whom have weakened immune systems. 

About 420 Americans die from salmonella every year and 26,500 are hospitalized. 

E coli and Campylobacter, which cause similar symptoms as salmonella, also are found in feces. 

The FDA urged consumers to contact a physician if they experience symptoms related to using the affected products. 

Customers with concerns about their pets who have eaten recalled animal products should contact a veterinarian.