Minneapolis News: Court Shuts Down Gold Star Distribution

A federal court has permanently barred Gold Star Distribution, Inc. and its owner, Bassam Abu Samrah, from receiving, storing, or shipping any FDA-regulated products until their North Minneapolis facility is proven to be completely free of pests and filth. The consent decree of permanent injunction was entered on September 21, 2026, following a lawsuit filed by the federal government.

Severe Facility Infestation Documented by Investigators

During an extensive inspection of the warehouse at 1000 Humboldt Ave. N., federal investigators documented a severe, active infestation. This included nine live rodents, 17 dead rodents in various states of decay, eight live birds, and live worms crawling among stored goods. The restriction covers all products passing through their facility regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which includes human food, infant formula, pet food, medical devices, over-the-counter drugs, and cosmetics.

A Decade of Documented Sanitary Violations

The facility has a documented history of non-compliance spanning over a decade. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) inspected the warehouse 26 times between 2013 and 2025, citing rodent-related violations in 19 of those visits. The MDA originally moved to revoke Gold Star's wholesale license late last year.

Impact on Local Supply Chain and Next Steps

Gold Star Distribution operated as a wholesale supplier to dozens of smaller specialty markets, corner stores, and delis primarily located around the Twin Cities area, with some accounts reaching into North Dakota and Indiana. Under the court order, the company is legally prohibited from operating at its current location or any future facility until they completely overhaul their sanitation procedures, eliminate the pest infestation, and receive explicit written authorization from the FDA to resume business.