Correction: Chicken of the Sea has informed SeafoodSource that information in the Gold Star recall was inaccurate. The company confirmed it never sold the SKU listed in Gold Star's product list. Chicken of the Sea also confirmed a UPC listed by Gold Star connected with the company is for a product that it has no record of selling to Gold Star.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently found that a facility operated by Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A.-based wholesaler Gold Star Distribution was operating under unsanitary conditions, and as a result, the company has recalled hundreds of major U.S. food products, including canned tuna.
The FDA found that the facility contained rodent excrete and bird droppings that had the potential to contaminate products. Among the affected products are Starkist canned tuna, Friskies Seafood Sensations pet food, and Louisiana Classic Fish Fry. Other major brands listed in the recall include Reese’s, Pringles, and Cheerios.
“Persons handling or consuming the products could become seriously ill due to adulteration from pests, including rodents, birds, and insects,” Gold Star said in the recall notice. “Products held under unsanitary conditions may become contaminated through contact with contaminated surfaces or exposure to airborne particulates associated with animal waste. Exposure to contaminated products can pose serious health risks to consumers, including the potential for bacterial contamination, which may result in illness or infection, including Salmonella.”
No illnesses have been reported to date, according to the recall.
Consumers and retailers who purchased the affected products should destroy the products as soon as possible and verify such destruction by receipt provided to Gold Star.
“Products should not be shipped back to Gold Star under any circumstances. Gold Star will provide refunds upon request,” the company said.
