According to a statement from the agency, “live rodents, dead rodents in various states of decay, rodent feces and urine, evidence of gnawing, nesting and rodent odors” were all found throughout the facility, along with dead birds and bird droppings. The distribution center has since been fumigated. The products impacted by this recall, which include food items, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and pet food, were shipped to 404 stores across the country from January 1, 2021 through the present. The stores, which are temporarily shuttered, span six states: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The recall does not apply to products shipped directly to the stores by the distributor or manufacturer, such as all frozen and refrigerated items. Additionally, the recall does not impact Family Dollar store locations besides the ones listed here. As you may have guessed, there are numerous hazards associated with food (and other items) that may have been contaminated by rodents, including the potential presence of Salmonella. The use or consumption of affected products that may have Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in infants, young children, frail or elderly people, pregnant people, those with underlying medical conditions, and others with weakened immune systems. Even healthy people infected with Salmonella can become ill. Symptoms include fever, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. While Family Dollar is not currently aware of any consumer complaints or reports of illness related to this recall, customers who may have bought affected products are being advised to dispose of them or return them to the Family Dollar store where they were purchased. Products will be accepted without a receipt. Family Dollar is also notifying its affected stores by letter, asking them to check their stock immediately and to quarantine and discontinue the sale of any affected items. Shoppers should contact their physician or health care provider as soon as possible if they have experienced any problems that may be related to using these products. In a similar vein, customers with concerns about their pets who have eaten the recalled animal food products should contact their veterinarian.Customers with questions regarding this recall may contact Family Dollar Customer Service at 844-636-7687. Additionally, the FDA is currently keeping track of reactions or other issues linked to the recalled products. For more information on how to log a complaint online, click here.
