More than 1,000 rodents found in Family Dollar facility that distributes to MS stores
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to shoppers after more than 1,000 rodents were found in a Family Dollar distribution facility that ships products to stores in Mississippi and other states.
The FDA said it is working with Family Dollar to institute a voluntary recall of the products affected by the infestation.
A consumer complaint sparked an investigation of the Family Dollar distribution facility in West Memphis, Arkansas, that serves stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee, the FDA said in a news release.
The investigation began in January and Family Dollar ceased distribution within days of the FDA’s arrival and inspection, which concluded on Feb. 11, according to a Friday news release.
Here’s what the FDA said it found during the inspection:
- Live rodents
- Dead rodents in various states of decay
- Rodent feces and urine
- Rodent odors throughout the facility
- Dead birds and droppings
- Products stored in conditions that did not protect against contamination
More than 1,100 dead rodents were recovered from the facility after a January fumigation, the FDA said.
A review of the company’s internal records also indicated a collection of more than 2,300 rodents between March and September of 2021, “demonstrating a history of infestation,” the FDA said.
Here are the products that could have been affected by the infestation:
- Dietary supplements, including vitamins, herbal and mineral supplements
- Cosmetics like skincare products, baby oils, lipsticks, shampoo and baby wipes
- Animal foods, including dog and cat food, treats or wild bird seed
- Human food products
- Medical devices, including feminine hygiene products, surgical masks, contact lens cleaning solution, nasal care products and bandages
- Over-the-counter medication for both adults and children, including pain medicine, eye drops, dental products and antacids
The FDA said shoppers who purchased these products from Family Dollars in the affected states should call the company and discard all drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and dietary supplements immediately.
“Food in non-permeable packaging (such as undamaged glass or all-metal cans) may be suitable for use if thoroughly cleaned and sanitized,” the FDA said. “Consumers should wash their hands immediately after handling any products from the affected Family Dollar stores.”
Shoppers should contact their local doctor immediately if they have any health care concerns after using any of these products, the FDA said.
A company spokesperson for Dollar Tree, Inc. and Family Dollar said affected stores have been temporarily closed “in order to proficiently conduct the voluntary recall of certain FDA-regulated products” and hope to reopen the stores soon.
“We take situations like this very seriously and are committed to providing safe and quality products to our customers,” said Kayleigh Campbell, director of investor relations for Dollar Tree, Inc. “We have been fully cooperating with all regulatory agencies in the resolution of this matter and are in the process of remediating the issue.”
Rodent infestations could lead to infection of salmonella and infectious diseases, which could pose the greatest risk to infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and immunocompromised people.
This story was originally published February 20, 2022 at 8:37 AM.
