Popular Brands Like Pringles, Tylenol, and Nutella Included in 2,000-Item Recall

Nearly 2,000 food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products have been pulled from the market after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uncovered serious sanitation issues at a distribution center.

In December, Gold Star Distribution issued a recall notice, cautioning that individuals who handle or consume the affected items could face serious health risks. According to the FDA, inspections revealed the facility was operating in unsanitary conditions, with evidence of rodent droppings, rodent urine, and bird feces in storage areas where products were kept.

The FDA stated that such conditions pose a high risk of contamination, as the presence of filth and disease-causing microorganisms could compromise product safety. Officials warned that exposure to these contaminated items may lead to bacterial infections, particularly salmonella and leptospirosis.

Salmonella commonly causes intense digestive problems, while leptospirosis — a bacterial illness transmitted through rodent urine — can trigger a wide range of symptoms. As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, these may include high fever, red or irritated eyes, abdominal discomfort, headaches, muscle pain, chills, skin rashes, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

On January 22, the FDA classified the recall as a Class II event. This designation indicates that the products may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, though the likelihood of severe long-term consequences is considered low.

The recalled items were distributed to retail locations across Indiana, Minnesota, and North Dakota.