Family Dollar Rodent Problems: Should PA Shoppers Be Concerned?

Pittsburgh PA

22 February, 2022

7:58 AM

Description

PENNSYLVANIA —The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has altered consumers of a rodent infestation at a Family Dollar distribution center in Arkansas that has caused product recalls in six states. Conditions observed during a recent a FDA inspection of the center included live rodents, dead rodents in various states of decay, rodent feces and urine, evidence of gnawing, nesting and rodent odors throughout the facility, dead birds and bird droppings, and products stored in conditions that did not protect against contamination. More than 1,100 dead rodents were recovered from the facility following a fumigation at the facility in January 2022. Additionally, a review of the company's internal records also indicated the collection of more than 2,300 rodents between Mar. 29 and Sep. 17, 2021, demonstrating a history of infestation. The FDA alert, at present, does not include Pennsylvania. But consumers in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee have been cautioned about the problem. "Families rely on stores like Family Dollar for products such as food and medicine. They deserve products that are safe," FDA associate commissioner for regulatory affairs Judith McMeekin said in a statement. "No one should be subjected to products stored in the kind of acceptable 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." The alert covers FDA-regulated products purchased from Family Dollar stores in the six states from Jan. 1 until the present. Examples of these products include human foods (including dietary supplements (vitamin, herbal and mineral supplements)), cosmetics (skincare products, baby oils, lipsticks, shampoos, baby wipes), animal foods (kibble, pet treats, wild bird seed), medical devices (feminine hygiene products, surgical masks, contact lens cleaning solutions, bandages, nasal care products) and over-the-counter medications (pain medications, eye drops, dental products, antacids, other medications for both adults and children). Be the first to know what's happening in your community and region. With a free Patch subscription, you'll always be up to date on local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe.