FDA Recalls Cheerios, Advil, Nutella and More After Rodent and Bird Droppings Found

Massive recall issued for products distributed primarily in Minnesota due to unsanitary conditions at facility

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:07pm

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has initiated a massive recall of multiple FDA-regulated products, including Cheerios, Advil, Nutella, and Mazola Corn Oil, after determining that the Gold Star Distribution Inc. facility in Minnesota was operating under unsanitary conditions with the presence of rodent excreta and bird droppings in areas where the products were held.

Why it matters

This recall highlights the importance of proper food safety and sanitation practices at distribution facilities to protect public health. Consuming contaminated products can lead to serious illness, and the FDA's action aims to prevent any potential harm to consumers.

The details

According to the FDA, the recalled products were distributed primarily to stores in Minnesota, where Gold Star Distribution Inc. is based. No illnesses have been reported so far, but the agency is urging consumers and retailers who purchased the affected products to destroy them and verify the destruction with Gold Star. The company will provide refunds upon request.

  • The FDA determined the facility was operating under unsanitary conditions on January 29, 2026.

The players

Gold Star Distribution Inc.

The Minnesota-based company that is recalling multiple FDA-regulated products due to unsanitary conditions at its distribution facility.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The federal agency that initiated the massive recall after determining the presence of rodent and bird droppings at the Gold Star Distribution facility.

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What’s next

The FDA is urging consumers and retailers to destroy any affected products and verify the destruction with Gold Star Distribution. The company will provide refunds upon request.

The takeaway

This recall underscores the critical importance of maintaining proper food safety and sanitation practices at distribution facilities to protect public health. Consumers should be vigilant about checking for recalled products and following the FDA's guidance to ensure their safety.