LOUISVILLE, Ky. — State and federal health officials have shut down operations at Pan-African Food Distributors, also known as East Africa Boutique LLC, following the discovery of a rodent infestation at the company’s Louisville warehouse.
According to a notice published last week on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, inspectors found rodent droppings on several food product containers at the facility located on Millers Lane. In response, Kentucky officials issued a quarantine on potentially contaminated food items and ordered the immediate closure of the business.
The affected products include a wide range of imported and distributed shelf-stable and ready-to-eat foods, including infant cereals, cassava flour, maize flour, baking ingredients, and other ethnic food products. Authorities warned that some items may not bear the company’s name on their labels, complicating identification for consumers and retailers.
Health officials have urged consumers to check their homes and dispose of any listed products due to potential contamination. They also advise thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing surfaces that may have come in contact with the items.
“Consuming food products contaminated by rodents can result in serious health risks, including illnesses such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, salmonellosis, yersiniosis, E. coli infection, and rat-bite fever,” the FDA stated. Individuals who believe they may be experiencing symptoms after consuming these products are advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Retailers and distributors who received goods from Pan-African Food Distributors have also been advised to halt sales and discard any potentially contaminated products. Cleaning and sanitization protocols are strongly recommended for any areas or equipment that may have been exposed.
While a comprehensive list of contaminated products has been released, officials note that it may not include all items distributed by the company. The FDA has committed to updating the public as more information becomes available.
A sample of the listed products includes:
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Super Sembe – Maize Flour (10 kg) – Exp. May 2025
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Cassava FuFu (10 Kg & 20 Kg) – Exp. 2024–2026
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Peanut Flour (50 lb.) – Exp. Feb 1, 2026
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Nootri Family & Baby Products – Exp. Dates ranging from April to October 2025
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Huza – Fermented Sorghum and Millet Flour – Various expiration dates through 2026
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Akanozo – Various Flours (Wheat, Soybean, Sorghum, Composite) – Exp. Dates through August 2026
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Sujata – Multi Grains Flour – Exp. Sept 13, 2025
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F. Garcia Corn Meal – Exp. Oct 2025
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Pan African Foods Distribution Inc – Beans and White Corn Flour – Exp. Through April 2027
The company will not be permitted to resume operations until all health and safety concerns have been resolved.
Consumers and businesses are encouraged to monitor the FDA website for continued updates regarding the recall and investigation.
