A popular dollar store chain is shutting down hundreds of stores across the country after a rodent infestation.

According to KCRG, Family Dollar stores shut down over 400 shops across the country after the Food and Drug Administration reported potentially contaminated products from "unsanitary conditions, including a rodent infestation." Yikes. The good news is that it appears that no Iowa locations were impacted. The FDA alerted the public that "products purchased from Jan. 1, 2021, through the present from Family Dollar stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee" may be unsafe for people to use.

Why are Family Dollar products being recalled?

When you look at the FDA findings it's clear just how unsafe those products could be. KCRG reports that the FDA found unsanitary conditions that included “live rodents, dead rodents... rodent feces and urine, evidence of gnawing, nesting and rodent odors throughout the facility, dead birds and bird droppings.” Grossed out yet? Well, you will be when you hear that 2,300 rodents were found facility between late March and mid-September of last year, according to the business' internal records. Or how about when they fumigated the place last month and recovered over 1,000 dead rodents.

What Family Dollar products are being recalled?

Food (human and animal) cosmetics, and over-the-counter medicine were all listed as potentially being contaminated with Salmonella. Those infected can often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes serious infections. The products to look out for were those stored in the infested distribution center and shipped to the 404 store locations from January 1, 2021, to the present. You can see a list of products and stores affected HERE.

You are advised to throw out any product that may be affected and contact your physician if you believe you are experiencing health issues related to the recall. For questions regarding the recall, contact Family Dollar Customer Service at 844-636-7687 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CST.

 

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