The United States Food and Drug Administration has escalated a major product recall affecting nearly 2,000 items, including household favourites like Cheerios, Nutella, and Pringles, due to serious contamination concerns at a Minnesota distribution facility.
Recall Elevated to Class II Status
On January 22, 2026, the FDA elevated the recall to Class II status, indicating that consumption or use of the affected products could cause serious health consequences. This action follows an initial recall in December 2025 after inspectors discovered unsanitary conditions at Gold Star Distribution, Inc.'s Minnesota facility.
According to FDA documentation, inspectors found "the presence of rodent excreta, rodent urine, and bird droppings in areas where medical devices, drugs, human food, pet food, and cosmetic products were held." The agency warned that products contaminated with such filth "may cause illness in the animals that consume the food or humans that are in contact with the products."
Widespread Product Range Affected
The recall encompasses an extensive range of consumer goods sold across retailers in Indiana, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Popular snacks affected include:
- Jif Crunchy Peanut Butter
- Nutella chocolate spread
- Skittles and Snickers candies
- Twix chocolate bars
- Haribo Gummy Bears
- Pringles potato crisps
- Takis rolled tortilla chips
Breakfast items and ingredients recalled include Kellogg's Rice Krispies Cereal, Cheerios, Quaker Corn Meal, Special K Cereal, and Lucky Charms Cereal. Beverages like Gatorade, Coca-Cola, Smart Water, and Arizona Iced Teas were also affected.
Medical Products Included in Recall
Significantly, the recall extends beyond food items to include several over-the-counter medications and health products:
- Halls Defense Vitamin C drops
- Mentos Gum with Vitamins (Citrus flavour)
- Advil pain relief tablets
- Tylenol acetaminophen
- Excedrin migraine medication
- Benadryl allergy relief
Serious Health Risks Identified
The FDA report highlights specific health dangers associated with rodent contamination. Rodents can carry Leptospira bacteria, which causes leptospirosis in both humans and animals. More commonly, such contamination can lead to salmonella poisoning, which the agency describes as potentially causing "serious and sometimes fatal illness."
According to FDA guidance, salmonella infections typically occur 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food, with symptoms usually lasting four to seven days. This recall follows multiple other food safety incidents this month, including Navitas Organics' recall of select lots of Organic Chia Seeds due to potential salmonella contamination from a supplier.
The full list of recalled products and affected retailers is available through official FDA channels. Consumers in the affected states are urged to check their purchases and dispose of any potentially contaminated items immediately.
