The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday that more than 1,000 rodents were discovered in a Family Dollar distribution center in Arkansas. They issued a voluntary recall to all items purchased at hundreds of South Carolina stores.
In a news release , the FDA stated that a consumer complaint led to officials inspecting the West Memphis, Arkansas facility in January. Inspectors found rodent droppings and rodent feces inside the building.
Officials said that more than 1,100 rodents had been removed from the facility after they were fumigated.
Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs Judith McMeekin stated that no one should be exposed to products kept in such unacceptable conditions as we found at Family Dollar distribution center.
Family Dollar is working with the FDA to initiate a voluntary recall for affected products.
These products include pet food, human food, cosmetics, dietary supplements and over-the counter medications. They were purchased at Family Dollar stores in Alabama (Arkansas), Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Mississippi in January or February.
Family Dollar published a news article listing the 404 stores that could have sold products from the contaminated site.
According to the company, it was unaware of any consumer complaints or reports of illness that were related to the recall.
According to the FDA, food in non-permeable packaging may be edible if it is properly cleaned. Officials also advised that all drugs, medical devices and dietary supplements be thrown out.
The company stated that it had sent a letter to affected stores asking them to immediately check their stock and to discontinue selling affected products. Customers who may have purchased affected products may return them to Family Dollar stores where they were purchased, without receipt.
