On December 26, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of dozens of brands of groceries stored by Gold Star Distribution, Inc. due to “rodent and bird contamination and unsanitary conditions during storage” that may lead to salmonella contamination. Affected items include numerous well-known soda brands, candy companies, cereal varieties, pantry staples, baking staples, popular condiments and more.
Gold Star Distribution, Inc. issued a recall the same day for all FDA-regulated products stored in storage facilities “contaminated by rodents and poultry.” The items were later shipped to multiple states.
Conditions at the facility were determined to include “rodent excrement, rodent urine and bird droppings,” the FDA said. No illnesses have been reported to date; however, the FDA says that when handled or consumed, contaminated items “pose serious health risks to consumers, including potential bacterial contamination, which may cause illness or infection, including salmonella.” Additionally, the recall notice states, “Rodents are the primary reservoir of Leptospira, the bacterium that causes leptospirosis in humans.”
Here’s everything you need to know about this major recall, and what to do if you own one of these items that may be contaminated.
How to identify recalled items
This recall does not apply to frozen and refrigerated products shipped to retail and convenience stores by Gold Star Distribution, Inc., only to shelf-stable items stored in the facility. However, the items were sent to more than 50 grocery and convenience stores in three states: Minnesota, Indiana and North Dakota. Major cities include Indianapolis, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington and Fargo.
The FDA advisory outlines a complete list of locations where recalled items were distributed, as well as a complete list of distributed products with stock keeping units (SKUs) and universal product codes (UPCs). The sweeping recall includes hundreds of products, from baby food and medicines to dozens of everyday groceries.
Recall of groceries distributed by Gold Star Distribution, Inc.
Some Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew and other sodas recalled due to potential salmonella
The recall affects more than 10 major soda brands, including some products from Pepsi-Cola, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Canada Dry, A&W, 7Up, Mountain Dew, Dr Pepper, Sunkist and Sun Drop. Other recalled beverages include Snapple, Arizona Tea, Gatorade, Kool-Aid and select beverages from Minute Maid. Many of the recalled beverages are sold in 20-ounce or 2-liter bottles and 12-pack cans.
Some Hershey’s, Snickers, M&M’s, Twix and other candies recalled due to potential salmonella
Since most of the locations affected by the recall are convenience stores, the list includes many snacks distributed by Gold Star, especially candy. The product list features select items from Reese’s, Hershey’s, M&M’s, Kit Kat, Snickers, Twix, Butterfinger, Starburst, Airheads, Werther’s Original, Haribo, Skittles, Trolli and more.
Other snacks listed in the recall include select products from Pringles, Jack Link’s, Takis and more.
Some General Mills, Post and Kellogg’s cereals recalled due to potential salmonella
Another major food category distributed by Venus is cereals. Many popular cereal brands are listed in the recall, including select products such as Cheerios, Honey Bunches of Oats, Fruit Loops, Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Rice Krispies and more.
Some Heinz, Kraft, Conagra and other groceries recalled due to potential salmonella
In addition to popular snacks and drinks, the recall includes dozens of common pantry staples, from Hunter’s ketchup to Heinz ketchup. Other selections from Chef Boyardee, Ragu and Kraft were also mentioned. A variety of cooking and baking products are also listed in the recall, including Morton Salt, Diamond Sugar, Gold Medal Flour, Jif, Nutella and other brands.
What to do if you have one of these recalled items
If you have one of these recalled items, do not eat it. Gold Star Distribution, Inc. will provide refunds upon request. Shoppers are advised to destroy affected products and “verify destruction by providing a receipt to Gold Star, 1000 N. Humboldt Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411.” Additionally, products “should not be shipped back to Gold Star under any circumstances.”
If you have questions about an item, you can contact Gold Star at 612-617-9800, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time, 7 days a week.
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