Savannah Hulsey Pointer, FISM News
More than 1,000 dead rodents and birds found in a Family Dollar Distribution warehouse in West Memphis, Arkansas has resulted in the company closing over 400 of its stores.
According to WREG Memphis, the Food and Drug Administration got involved after an employee spoke to the media about the unsafe conditions. Inspections found live animals, both inside and outside boxes and rodents in varying stages of decay in the warehouse.
The investigation has resulted in a voluntary recall and the agency advises consumers to not use certain products shipped from the warehouse, including various food, pet food, cosmetics, and medicinal items. The recall affects consumers in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.
The FDA also revealed that “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.”
WREG shared chilling footage of the rats scrambling in and out of chewed boxes, unphased by the employees, and even showed one former employee offering food to a rat.
“It’s 61 aisles in the warehouse, you’re going to see them from aisles one to 61,” former employee Robert Bradford said. “They be running around, they be on the floor inside the boxes.”
The company released an official statement following the disturbing revelation.
Family Dollar, Inc. is initiating a voluntary retail level product recall of certain products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that were stored and shipped to 404 stores from Family Dollar Distribution Center 202 in West Memphis, Arkansas from January 1, 2021 through the present due to the presence of rodents and rodent activity at Family Dollar Distribution Center 202.
The release warned of health risks surrounding the potential of Salmonella infection, which “can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in infants, young children, frail or elderly people, pregnant persons, persons with pre-existent pathology (e.g., patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatments, organ transplant recipient, etc.) and others with weakened immune systems.”
Family Dollar recommends that anyone who believes that they have experienced quality problems and/or symptoms related to their products should report their reactions to the FDA here, or call 1-800-332-1088. Refunds will be issued by
A full list of stores affected by the closures can be found here.