The U.S. Department of Justice has asked a federal court to permanently bar a Minneapolis wholesaler and its owner from receiving, storing, or distributing food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics until the business fully complies with federal law. The civil complaint, filed on behalf of the FDA on Sept. 11, names Gold Star Distribution Inc. and owner Bassam Abu Samrah over what officials describe as years of unsanitary conditions at the company's North Minneapolis warehouse.
The products involved are everyday household items. According to the complaint, as described by FOX 9, roughly 75% of the company's stock is FDA-regulated, including Enfamil infant formulas, Tylenol, Advil, DayQuil, pregnancy tests, sanitary pads, rice, and cat food. The Minnesota Star Tribune has reported that the company's goods went largely to ethnic grocery stores and corner shops.
