The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled nearly 2,000 products after inspectors found signs of rodent and bird contamination. The recall affects a wide range of well-known brands in the US.
Candies such as Jolly Ranchers and Skittles are included, along with snacks like Pringles and Takis. Cereals like Cheerios and Kellogg’s Rice Krispies have also been impacted. So have several popular beverages including Gatorade, Coca-Cola, and ice tea products from both Arizona and Sprite. Pantry staples were not spared either, with products like Heinz ketchup and Crisco oil also listed among the recalled items.
The recall was first announced on December 26 after the FDA found that the company’s Minneapolis facility was operating under unsanitary conditions. Inspectors reported the presence of rodent droppings and urine, as well as bird droppings, raising concerns that products may have been exposed to airborne particles from animal waste.
The FDA warned that exposure to contaminated products could lead to illnesses such as salmonella or leptospirosis, a bacterial disease spread through animal urine. On January 22, the recall was classified as Class II, meaning the products could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects—though the risk of serious harm is low.
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