RATS

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goods. Consumers lost money and could have lost their lives.”

Rutledge reported that state and federal health inspectors showed Family Dollar had knowledge of the rodent infestation since January of 2020. In March 2021, inspectors saw signicant signs of rodent activity and management was aware of rodent problems in the facility. The next month inspectors reported no effective measures had been taken to address the infestation.

Following complaints from state health ofcials and consumers the FDA began investigation in January this year. The FDA issued a safety alert: “Conditions observed during the inspection included live rodents, and dead rodents in various states of decay, rodent feces and urine, evidence of gnawing, nesting and rodent odors throughout the facility, dead birds, bird droppings, and products stored in conditions that did not protect them from contamination.”

The center was fumigated in January and more than 1100 dead rodents were recovered. Company records revealed the removal of 2,300 more rodents during six months in 2021. Rutledge said that documented a history of infestation.

Family Dollar issued a voluntary recall earlier this year and temporarily closed 404 stores including 85 in Arkansas to remove hazardous and contaminated products from shelves.