Family Dollar was forced to close down more than 400 of its outlets in the U.S. after inspectors found a rat infestation at one of its distribution facilities. The American variety store chain was ordered by the Food and Drug Administration to shut down its outlets following the findings of an investigation.
After receiving several consumer complaints, FDA officials reportedly sent inspectors to its distribution facility in West Memphis, Arkansas. Inspectors reportedly found live rodents and dead rodents in various states of decay throughout the building.
The facility was also filled with rat dropping, urine, and nesting materials. Dead birds, dropping, and a strong odor was also prominent in the facility's storage areas. FDA inspectors found that the company did not have any adequate decontamination procedures in place at the facility.
Following the initial inspection, which was conducted last month, the company conducted site-wide fumigations. Inspectors reportedly found more than 1,000 rats that were killed as a result.
Upon further review of the facility's internal records, it was discovered that the company was aware of the infestation as rodents were reported by staff between March to September last year. Within the time period, staff was able to capture or kill more than 2,300 rodents.
Apart from forcing the company to close down around 5% of its more than 8,000 locations in the U.S., the FDA also issued a massive recall. The FDA said the unsanitary conditions at the facility and the history of rodent infestation could place consumers at risk as products such as the company's food, cosmetics, and pet products could have been contaminated.
Customers who have recently bought products that have not yet been used or opened from the affected stores can return them without a receipt. Customers who have questions or believe they have purchased potentially contaminated products can call the company's hotline.
Family Dollar was ordered to purge its products from the shelves of the stores that were ordered to be shut down. Most of the locations that were closed were in Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Family Dollar's parent company, Dollar Tree, released a statement following the recall order, assuring customers that its staff is working to comply with the FDA regulations and to ensure that its stores are reopened as soon as possible. The company added that it takes the safety of its customers very seriously, and it is willing to fully cooperate with regulatory agencies to resolve the issue.
