Gold Star Distribution, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is recalling all FDA-regulated products held at its facility due to insanitary storage conditions, including the presence of rodent and avian contamination.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the facility was found to be operating under conditions that included rodent feces, rodent urine, and bird droppings in areas where products were stored.
These conditions create a risk that products held at the facility may have been contaminated with harmful microorganisms, including Salmonella.
Pet Food Products Included in This Recall
This recall applies broadly to all FDA-regulated products held at the Gold Star facility, including human food, pet food, drugs, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and medical devices.
Within the FDA’s comprehensive product list, pet food products appear on pages 33–34 of the document.
Pet food brands listed on those pages include:
- Meow Mix (multiple varieties)
- Friskies, including Shreds, Pate, and Prime varieties
- Fancy Feast
- Dog Treat Snack Shack
- Purina Cat Chow
- Purina Dog Chow
- Purina Puppy Chow
- 9Lives Cat Food (canned and dry varieties)
Due to the volume of products involved in the recall, pet owners are encouraged to review the FDA’s complete product list, including pages 33–34 for pet food products, to determine whether any products in their home are affected.
Health Risk Information
Products stored under insanitary conditions may become contaminated through contact with contaminated surfaces or exposure to airborne particulates from animal waste.
Exposure to contaminated products may pose serious health risks to humans and animals, including the potential presence of Salmonella.
Pets exposed to contaminated food may become ill, and pet owners concerned about pets that have consumed the recalled products should contact their veterinarian.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
In rare cases, infection can lead to more serious illness. Consumers experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
Distribution
The recalled products were distributed to numerous retail locations. A complete list of stores is included in the FDA announcement and supporting documentation.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers and retailers who purchased affected products should destroy the products as soon as possible and verify such destruction by receipt provided to Gold Star Distribution, Inc.
Products should not be returned or shipped back to the company under any circumstances.
According to the FDA announcement, Gold Star will provide refunds upon request.
Consumers with questions may contact Gold Star Distribution, Inc. at 612-617-9800, seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Additional Information
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall.
Consumers with questions may contact Gold Star Distribution, Inc. at 612-617-9800, seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
