Pringles, Nutella, Cheerios Among Thousands of Products Recalled for Waste Exposure

Nearly 2,000 everyday products sold in stores across three states have been recalled after federal inspectors found evidence of rodent and bird contamination at a distribution facility.

Gold Star Distribution, Inc. has issued a sweeping recall covering food, drinks, pet food, beauty products, household items, and even over-the-counter drugs, according to a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The recall was first announced on Dec. 26 after FDA investigators determined that the company’s Minneapolis-based facility was operating under what the agency described as insanitary conditions. Inspectors reported finding rodent droppings, rodent urine, and bird droppings inside the facility, raising concerns that products may have been exposed to airborne particles from animal waste.

Health officials warned that exposure to contaminated products could potentially lead to illnesses such as salmonella or leptospirosis, a bacterial infection linked to contact with animal urine.

On Jan. 22, the FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning the affected products could cause temporary or medically reversible health issues, though the risk of serious harm is considered low.

The recalled items were distributed to retailers in Indiana, Minnesota, and North Dakota. The FDA has published a detailed list of affected retailers and products on its website.

The scope of the recall is unusually broad. Popular snacks and candies such as Skittles, Jolly Ranchers, Sour Patch Kids, Pringles, and Takis are included. Breakfast staples like Cheerios and Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal are also affected.

Beverages on the recall list include Coca-Cola, Gatorade, Smart Water, and Arizona iced teas. Even common pantry items such as Heinz ketchup, Crisco oil, and cinnamon sticks were flagged.

The recall extends beyond food. Products like Pepto-Bismol, Axe body spray, Q-Tip cotton swabs, Fancy Feast cat food, and Gillette razors are also part of the action.

Consumers are urged to check their homes carefully. A full list of recalled items — including specific UPC codes and SKU numbers — is available in the official recall notice. Gold Star Distribution has advised anyone who purchased the affected products to destroy them immediately.

As of now, the company has not publicly commented on the recall.