U.S. federal authorities have issued a sweeping recall affecting more than 2,000 consumer products after an inspection revealed evidence of rodent and bird activity in a Minnesota storage facility. Items recalled include Diet Coke, Cheerios, Pringles, and Nutella, as well as dietary supplements, medical devices, cosmetics, and pet food.
The warning stems from findings at a warehouse operated by Minneapolis-based Gold Star Distribution, Inc., which came under scrutiny during a recent inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Though no illnesses have been reported, officials are urging caution as affected products may pose a health risk due to potential Salmonella contamination.
FDA Cites Unsanitary Storage Conditions as Root Cause
According to the FDA, the storage facility in question was found to be operating under unsanitary conditions, with clear signs of rodent and bird contamination. These findings raised concerns that a wide range of FDA-regulated products stored at the site could have been exposed to harmful bacteria. As a result, the agency triggered a large-scale recall at the end of January 2024.
Among the notable brands affected is Diet Coke, which has been specifically cited in the recall, though details regarding the exact batch numbers or manufacturing dates have not been disclosed. Gold Star Distribution, the company responsible for storing the products, has offered refunds upon request and advised customers to discard any potentially contaminated items.
In addition to beverages and food items, the recall covers dietary supplements, medical devices, and various pet food products. Pet owners are advised to monitor their animals for signs of illness and to consult a veterinarian if symptoms appear after exposure to any affected products.
Scope of Distribution and Impact in Texas
Although the scale of the recall is significant (spanning over 2,000 consumer goods) the geographical distribution of the affected items remains limited. According to the FDA, there is currently no evidence that any retailers in Texas have received products from the contaminated facility. The agency has published a comprehensive list of affected products, available through its official channels.
The recall is being treated as a precautionary measure, and the FDA has confirmed that, to date, no related illnesses have been reported. However, the agency is continuing its investigation and monitoring efforts to ensure consumer safety.
Consumers who purchased any of the affected products are urged not to use them and to dispose of the items immediately. Questions about refunds or product disposal can be directed to Gold Star Distribution, which has made customer support available for affected individuals.
The FDA continues to stress the importance of food safety and the proper handling of products throughout the supply chain. For now, the contamination appears to be isolated to a single storage facility, and no additional recall expansions have been announced.
