Rodent droppings, rodent urine, and bird waste were found in areas where medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, dietary supplements, food for people, and pet food were all stored together.
A Minneapolis-based distribution company announced a recall of thousands of consumer products this week after federal health officials found the items were stored in a facility contaminated with rodents, birds, and insects.
Gold Star Distribution Inc. initiated the recall on Dec. 26 after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that the company's facility posed serious health risks to consumers. Rodent droppings, rodent urine, and bird waste were found in areas where medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, dietary supplements, food for people, and pet food were all stored together.
"Products held under insanitary conditions may become contaminated through contact with contaminated surfaces or exposure to airborne particulates associated with animal waste," according to the company's announcement, which was published by the FDA on Friday.
The recall affects an extensive range of everyday items. Popular over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, Advil, Nyquil, and Pepto-Bismol are included, along with allergy medicines such as Claritin and cold remedies like DayQuil. The list also includes candy, such as Haribo gummy bears, Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, and Jolly Ranchers. Dietary supplements marketed as male enhancement products and wellness supplements like ginseng and honey are part of the recall as well.
The contamination creates risk for bacterial infections, particularly of salmonella, which can cause serious illness. According to the recall notice, salmonella "can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in infants, young children, frail or elderly people, pregnant persons, persons with pre-existent pathology ... and others with weakened immune systems."
Healthy people who contract salmonella typically have symptoms including fever, diarrhea that may be bloody, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause more severe conditions, including infected blood vessels and joint infections.
The contamination also poses additional threats. Rodents can carry leptospira, the bacteria that can cause disease in both humans and animals. Contaminated medical devices increase the risk of infection, while tainted drugs and foods may pose health risks if swallowed. Cosmetics applied to skin or eyes could trigger irritation, infection, or other adverse reactions.
Gold Star specified that the recall applies to all drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and human and pet food products stored at the facility. The company noted that frozen and refrigerated items shipped directly to retail stores by the distributor or manufacturer are not included in the recall.
No illnesses connected to the recalled products had been reported as of the announcement date.
The company is instructing consumers and retailers to destroy affected products immediately. Gold Star requests that people verify destruction by providing receipts to the company at 1000 N. Humboldt Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411. The company said that products should never be shipped back to Gold Star. The distributor said it will issue refunds upon request.
Consumers concerned about their health should contact their physician or health care provider if they believe they experienced problems related to using these products. Pet owners whose animals consumed the recalled food should consult a veterinarian.
Questions about the recall can be directed to Gold Star at 612-617-9800. The company operates its customer service line seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time.