A Minneapolis distributor is being sued by the federal government after inspectors reported finding rodents, birds and worms in a warehouse that stores food and medicine.
According to a criminal complaint filed last week, Gold Star Distribution, Inc. and its owner, Bassam Abu Samrah, allegedly operated in conditions that allowed FDA-regulated products to become contaminated by pests.
The lawsuit aims to stop the company from receiving, storing or distributing food, drugs, medical devices and cosmetics until regulators determine that Gold Star Distribution is operating under safe conditions.
A total of 17 dead rodents, eight live birds and five live worms were found during a one-month stretch at the end of 2025 and the company dealt with several rodent-related violations in past years.
Shortly after the pests were found in 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a recall for Gold Star Distribution’s products.
Among the FDA-regulated products at Gold Star Distribution was infant formula, dietary supplements, pet food, over-the-counter medications and personal care products.
According to court documents, the facility was inspected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture 26 times between 2013 and 2025, with 19 inspections citing rodent-related violations and 11 inspections resulted in orders to destroy food products.
Gold Star Distribution’s wholesale food license has been revoked but the company says that they have taken the proper steps to address the issues.
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has reached out to Gold Star Distribution for comment. We have not heard back.
