Family Dollar Recall: How To Return Affected Products After Rodent Infestation

Family Dollar, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of several ​​Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated products at the chain’s stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee following the discovery of a rodent infestation at a distribution facility.

The recall was issued on Friday after over 1,100 rodents were found at the Family Dollar distribution facility in West Memphis, Arkansas.

The discovery was made after a consumer complaint prompted the FDA to investigate the facility in January. Days later, the facility halted its distribution of products, by Feb. 11, the investigation was concluded.

The investigation found unsanitary conditions in the building, which included the presence of live rodents, dead rodents in “various states of decay,” rodent urine and feces, dead birds and bird droppings, and products stored in conditions that were not protected against contamination.

The products affected were purchased at Family Dollar stores from Jan. 1, 2021, to the day of the recall. Some of the products include, cosmetics, human food, animal food, over-the-counter medications, and medical device.

“Families rely on stores like Family Dollar for products such as food and medicine. They deserve products that are safe,” Judith McMeekin, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs, said in a statement.

“No one should be subjected to products stored in the kind of unacceptable conditions that we found in this Family Dollar distribution facility. These conditions appear to be violations of federal law that could put families’ health at risk. We will continue to work to protect consumers.”

Customers have been advised to contact the company regarding the affected products. Those who may have bought the impacted items can return them to the Family Dollar store where they were purchased without a receipt.

Rodent contamination may cause Salmonella and customers with concerns are advised to contact a healthcare professional. Meanwhile, those concerned about recalled products consumed by their animals should contact their veterinarian.

Since the company ordered stores to quarantine and discontinue sales of the items, it is not aware of any illnesses related to the recall.