USA: Court Stops Warehouse Activities Following Persistent Insanitary Warehouse Conditions

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports in a press release dated 23 September 2026 on a consent decree of permanent injunction against the warehouse operator Gold Star Distribution, Inc. and its owner, Bassam Abu Samrah.

A federal court prohibited the warehouse operator from receiving, holding for sale, storing or distributing FDA-regulated products such as food, drugs, medical devices and cosmetics until the company has adapted its activities to comply with applicable federal requirements.

The measure was prompted by persistent insanitary conditions and a significant pest infestation. During a follow-up inspection, live and dead rodents, birds and worms were found, among other things. The contamination risks were identified in part near pallets containing FDA-regulated products. Laboratory analyses also confirmed the presence of rodent urine, urea, excreta and hair on product packaging.

In addition, the FDA observed, among other deficiencies, leaks in the building’s roof, structural gaps and openings, overflowing waste and other conditions that could have resulted in contamination of the stored products.

The court order requires Gold Star Distribution and the responsible parties, among other measures, to:

• destroy all FDA-regulated products under FDA supervision;
• retain an independent expert to develop and implement sanitation control and drug storage plans;
• completely eliminate the pest infestation and any filth from the facility;
• implement structural measures to prevent future pest entry;
• undergo comprehensive inspections by independent experts, an independent pest control company and, where deemed necessary, the FDA.

The company may resume its activities only after the identified deficiencies have been corrected, appropriate sanitation control and drug storage plans have been implemented, and the required inspections have been completed. In addition, the parties must receive written notification from the FDA confirming that they appear to be in compliance with the applicable legal requirements.