Tainted Products From Twin Cities Distributor Being Pulled From Local Shelves

(KNSI) – Three area retailers are pulling tainted products from their shelves following a U.S. Food and Drug Administration action against Gold Star Distribution.

Gold Star handles everything from medical devices to cosmetics and human and pet food. The FDA warns that Gold Star facilities were rife with pests, including rodents, birds, and insects. The products the company ships were exposed to rodent waste and bird droppings. Anyone handling the items or eating food distributed by Gold Star has a chance to become quite sick, especially from Salmonella.

Salmonella can be fatal for young children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions. Healthy adults will still suffer through fever, potentially bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps. Another potential disease to be concerned about is Leptospira.

The FDA says St. Cloud stores Kismayo Discount Store at 2932 W. Division, Panjha Brothers at 3535 West St. Germain, and Qalinle Family Grocery at 117 East St. Germain are affected by the notice.

KNSI News can confirm that the FDA sent a warning letter to Gold Star Distributors in 2018 during the first Trump Administration about conditions at its Minneapolis warehouse. The letter, addressed to owner Bassam Abu Samrah, says rodent pellets “too numerous to count” were found in the Small Volume Room and primary storage area. They covered ramen noodles, iced tea, cereal, and other products. Bite marks marred several containers as the rats tried to gnaw their way in.

A dead rat was found on a pallet of maple syrup. Live birds and nesting materials were seen in the rafters. The letter was posted to the agency’s website, which you can read here.

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