Major FDA Recall: Products Contaminated by Rodents, Birds, and Insects May Cause Serious Illness

Gold Star Distribution facility recall raises nationwide health concerns after the FDA finds widespread pest adulteration affecting drugs, food, cosmetics, and pet products.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a sweeping recall involving products stored at a Gold Star Distribution, Inc. facility after federal investigators documented contamination risks from rodents, birds, and insects. These findings triggered the removal of a wide range of products from the market, including human food, medical devices, prescription and over‑the‑counter medications, cosmetics, and pet food.

This recall is significant because contamination from pests can introduce dangerous bacteria, viruses, and toxins that may cause serious illness. Families who purchased products stored in unsanitary conditions may have unknowingly been exposed to contaminated items in their homes, medicine cabinets, or kitchens.

If you or a loved one suffered illness or injury after using a recalled product, you may have legal rights to pursue compensation.

What the FDA Found: Conditions Inside the Recalled Facility

FDA investigators inspected the Gold Star Distribution facility and documented conditions described as insanitary and unsafe. Evidence reportedly included:

• rodent droppings and nesting material
• visible insects and insect activity
• bird presence and avian feces
• damaged packaging and holes consistent with rodent chewing
• debris and filth in storage areas
• products stored in proximity to contamination sources

Products held in these conditions are considered adulterated under federal law, even if the contamination cannot be seen with the naked eye. Pest exposure may introduce pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, or Listeria, along with parasites or harmful toxins.

The recall was issued because any product stored at that location may have been contaminated, not just specific items. This increases the risk that consumers, patients, and pets may already have used or consumed dangerous products.

What Types of Products Are Included in the Recall?

Gold Star Distribution handled a wide assortment of consumer and medical goods. The recall affects all FDA‑regulated products stored or distributed from the unsanitary facility, including:

• prescription and over‑the‑counter drugs
• medical devices and healthcare supplies
• human food and beverages
• pet food and animal treats
• dietary supplements
• cosmetic products and personal care items

Because these product categories are used daily in homes across the country, the risk of exposure is widespread. Many consumers may not immediately connect an illness or infection to product contamination until the recall becomes public.

A full and continually updated list of recalled items appears on the FDA’s recall page. Anyone who has products linked to the facility should stop using them immediately and safely dispose of them according to recall instructions.

Potential Health Risks From Pest-Contaminated Products

Products contaminated by rodents, birds, or insects may expose consumers to several health hazards. These risks vary depending on the product type and level of contamination, but may include:

• bacterial infections
• intestinal illness or food poisoning
• vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration
• fever and abdominal pain
• bloodstream infections
• neurological harm in severe cases
• risk of miscarriage or fetal injury in pregnant individuals
• severe illness in immunocompromised or elderly people

Pet food and pet treats contaminated by pests also pose risks to animals and can cross‑contaminate human environments through food bowls, saliva, or fecal exposure.

Medical devices or medications stored in contaminated environments may trigger infections, allergic reactions, or treatment failure. Even intact packaging does not guarantee safety, as pest droppings and urine can harbor harmful microorganisms that migrate through microscopic openings.

What Consumers Should Do if They Purchased Recalled Products

Consumers are advised to:

• Stop using the product immediately.
• Avoid opening potentially contaminated containers.
• Seal the product in a bag or container before disposal.
• Sanitize surfaces where the product was stored.
• Monitor for symptoms of illness.
• Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms occur.

Do not continue using a recalled medication, device, or food item simply because it looks clean. Contamination is often invisible.

If serious illness occurs, keep the product and packaging if possible and document symptoms, medical visits, and receipts. These records can be important for legal claims.

Legal Liability for Pest‑Contaminated Products

Companies distributing FDA‑regulated products must follow strict standards for sanitation and safe handling. When products become adulterated, multiple parties may be held legally responsible, including:

• warehouse operators
• distribution companies
• retailers
• manufacturers with knowledge of unsanitary storage conditions

Legal claims may involve:

• negligence
• product liability
• breach of warranty
• violation of federal and state consumer laws

Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• medical treatment
• hospitalization costs
• missed work and lost income
• pain and suffering
• wrongful death claims in severe cases

A product injury attorney can review your specific circumstances and determine whether a claim may be pursued.

FAQs About the Pest Contamination Recall and Lawsuits

What states are affected by this recall?
The recalled products were distributed across multiple states. The FDA has identified affected distribution channels and is continuing to update recall information. Even if your state is not specifically named, online purchases or interstate shipments may still bring affected products into your home.

What illnesses could contaminated products cause?
Rodent and bird contamination is associated with diseases such as Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, hantavirus, and Campylobacter infections. Symptoms range from mild stomach upset to severe, life‑threatening conditions. Those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of complications.

How do I know if something I purchased is included in the recall?
Consumers should review the FDA recall announcement and compare lot numbers, manufacturers, and distribution details. Pharmacies or retailers may also contact customers directly, but not everyone receives notice. When in doubt, assume risk if your product came from Gold Star Distribution.

Can my pet’s illness be part of a lawsuit?
Yes. Contaminated pet products can cause veterinary bills, emotional distress, and, in tragic situations, pet death. Claims may seek recovery for financial losses and related damages depending on state law.

What if I already used the product and did not get sick?
You should still dispose of the product safely. Not every contaminated item results in illness, but exposure alone may present health risks. Your potential legal claim generally requires documented injury.

What if I threw the product away—can I still file a claim?
Potentially, yes. Medical records, receipts, bank statements, photographs, and witness statements may all support a claim even without the product packaging. An attorney can advise on what documentation will be most useful.

Can children be affected differently by contaminated food or medicine?
Yes. Children, infants, elderly adults, pregnant individuals, and people with immune‑compromising conditions face a higher risk of dehydration, organ injury, or severe infection from contaminated products.

Is a class action lawsuit expected?
In widespread recalls of this nature, class action lawsuits are common. Individual injury lawsuits are also possible, especially in cases involving hospitalization or significant harm.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or a loved one became ill after using a recalled product tied to this FDA contamination incident, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is a national personal injury law firm representing victims across the United States. Our firm offers free consultations, and there are no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Call 1‑800‑YOUR‑LAWYER (1‑800‑968‑7529) today to speak with an attorney about your potential product contamination lawsuit. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firmis ready to assist you.