FDA Recall Expands Into January 2026 As Unsanitary Warehouse Conditions Trigger Sweeping Gold Star Distribution Product Pull

In late December 2025 and continuing into January 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a sweeping voluntary recall involving thousands of consumer products distributed by Gold Star Distribution, Inc., citing severe unsanitary conditions at the company’s Minneapolis warehouse.

The recall affects approximately 2,000 FDA regulated products that were distributed to more than 50 retail locations across Minnesota, Indiana, and Illinois, including several neighborhood markets in the northwest Minneapolis suburbs.

Inspection findings and cause of the recall

The FDA action followed an inspection of Gold Star’s storage facility at 1000 N. Humboldt Ave. in Minneapolis, where investigators documented widespread rodent and bird infestation.

According to the FDA, inspectors observed rodent feces, rodent urine, and bird droppings in areas where human food, pet food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and dietary supplements were stored. The agency stated that these conditions created a significant risk that products may have been contaminated through contact with unsanitary surfaces or exposure to airborne particulates associated with animal waste.

Health risks identified

While no illnesses had been reported as of January 8, 2026, the FDA warned that products held under such conditions could pose serious health risks if consumed or used.

Federal officials cautioned that contamination could include harmful microorganisms such as Salmonella, which can cause fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and may be life threatening for infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. The agency also cited the potential presence of Leptospira, a bacteria commonly carried by rodents that can lead to kidney damage, liver failure, or meningitis in humans and animals.

Scope of affected products

Because the recall is tied to warehouse storage conditions rather than manufacturing defects, it is unusually broad in scope. It applies to nearly all FDA regulated products held at the facility, including:

• Human food, such as brand name snacks, condiments, soda, cereal, rice, and ramen
• Over the counter drugs and medical devices, including pain relievers and cold and flu medications
• Pet food and animal feed products
• Cosmetics and dietary supplements

The FDA has published a 44 page product list detailing the affected items by brand, description, and identifying information.

Gold Star and the FDA emphasized that the recall does not apply to frozen or refrigerated items, nor does it include products shipped directly from manufacturers to stores that bypassed the Gold Star warehouse.

Local retailers identified

In the northwest metro, four shops were identified as receiving recalled products:

• EZ Stop Food Market, 7641 Zane Ave., Brooklyn Park
• La Picante Market, 7914 Bass Lake Rd., New Hope
• Osari Trading LLC, 7308 Aspen Ln. N., Brooklyn Center
• Viengchan Oriental Market, 3050 Brookdale Dr., Brooklyn Center

Additional Minnesota retailers include stores in St. Cloud, such as Kismayo Discount Store. Outside the state, affected retailers include Aimmart International Super Mercado in Indianapolis.

Guidance for consumers and retailers

The FDA urges consumers who may have purchased affected products to take immediate action:

• Do not consume or use recalled food, drugs, cosmetics, or pet products
• Destroy affected items immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a refund
• Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms such as fever, nausea, or vomiting occur after exposure

Consumers with questions or refund requests may contact Gold Star Distribution directly at 612 617 9800.

Where to find more information

For a comprehensive list of the thousands of affected products, consumers are encouraged to consult the FDA’s Recalls and Safety Alerts page. As the recall continues into early 2026, federal regulators say monitoring and compliance efforts remain ongoing.

For local shoppers, health officials stress vigilance, verification, and caution when using products purchased from impacted retailers during the recall period.

MinneapoliMedia