Massive Recall due to Rodent and Bird Feces

Gold Star Distribution, Inc. (Gold Star or the “Company”) is recalling all FDA-regulated products listed in this press release due to the presence of rodent and avian infestations.

Persons handling or consuming the products may become seriously ill due to infestation by pests, including rodents, birds and insects. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that the facility operated in unsanitary conditions, including the presence of rodent feces, rodent urine and bird droppings in areas where medical devices, drugs, human food, pet food and cosmetic products were stored. These conditions create a significant risk that products stored on site may become contaminated with dirt and harmful microorganisms.

Food stored in unsanitary conditions may become contaminated through contact with contaminated surfaces or exposure to airborne particles associated with animal waste. Exposure to contaminated products may pose a serious risk to consumer health, including the possibility of bacterial contamination that may lead to illness or infection, including Salmonella. There are many dangers associated with rodents, including the potential presence Salmonella. Use or consumption of affected products may pose a risk of illness due to the potential presence Salmonellaan organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in infants, young children, the frail or elderly, pregnant women, people with pre-existing conditions (for example, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, etc.) and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected Salmonella Fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are common. In rare cases, infection Salmonella may allow the organism to enter the bloodstream and cause more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (ie, infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

In addition, foods contaminated with dirt, rodent feces, and rodent urine can cause illness in animals that consume the food or in people who come into contact with the food. Rodents are the main reservoirs of Leptospira, the bacteria that causes leptospirosis in humans and animals.

Contaminated medical devices may increase the risk of device-related infections, medications and food may cause adverse health effects if ingested, and cosmetics applied to the skin or eyes may cause skin irritation, infection, or other adverse reactions.

The recalled products have been distributed to some or all of the following stores:

Products covered by this recall include all of the following: medications; medical devices; cosmetics; food additives; and food products for humans and animals (pets). The recall does not affect products shipped directly from distributors or manufacturers to retail/convenience stores, such as all frozen and refrigerated items. A complete list of affected products can be found on the FDA website at: fda.gov.

To date, no cases of the disease have been reported.