Silver Spring, MD – The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning the public that several categories of FDA-regulated products purchased from January 1, 2021 through today at Family Dollar stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee may be unsafe for consumers to use.
The affected products originated from the company’s distribution facility in West Memphis, Arkansas, where an FDA inspection revealed unsanitary conditions, including rodent infestation, that could lead to contamination of many products.
The FDA is working with the company to initiate a voluntary external liability recall of the affected products.
“Families rely on stores like Family Dollar for things like food and medicine. They deserve safe products,” said Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs Judith McMeekin, Pharm.D. “No one should be subjected to products stored under the kind of unacceptable conditions we found at this Family Dollar distribution facility. These conditions appear to be violations of federal law that could endanger the health of families. We We will continue to work to protect consumers.
This alert covers FDA-regulated products purchased from Family Dollar stores in these six states from January 1, 2021 through today.
Some examples of these products include human foods (including dietary supplements (vitamins, herbal and mineral supplements)), cosmetics (skin care products, baby oils, lipsticks, shampoos, baby wipes, babies), animal food (kibbles, treats for pets, seeds for wild birds). ), medical devices (feminine hygiene products, surgical masks, contact lens cleaning solutions, bandages, nasal care products) and over-the-counter drugs (painkillers, eye drops, dental products, antacids, other adult drugs and children).
Consumers are urged not to use and to contact the company regarding the affected products. The agency also advises that all drugs, medical devices, cosmetics and dietary supplements, regardless of packaging, be discarded. Foods in non-permeable packaging (such as glass or all-metal cans) may be suitable if thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Consumers should wash their hands immediately after handling products from affected Family Dollar stores.
Consumers who have recently purchased affected products should contact a healthcare practitioner immediately if they experience any health concerns after using or handling affected products. Rodent contamination can cause Salmonella and infectious diseases, which may pose the greatest risk to infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised people.
Following a consumer complaint, the FDA initiated an investigation into Family Dollar’s distribution facility in West Memphis, Arkansas, in January 2022. Family Dollar ceased distribution of products days after the the FDA inspection team arrived on site and the inspection concluded on February 11. .
Over 1,100 dead rodents were recovered from the facility following fumigation at the facility in January 2022. Additionally, a review of internal company records also indicated the collection of over 2,300 rodents between the 29 March and September 17, 2021, showing a history of infestation.
About the United States Food and Drug Administration
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, protects public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and safety of drugs, vaccines, and other biologics in human and veterinary use, and medical devices. The agency is also responsible for the safety and security of the food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, electronic radiation emitting products and the regulation of tobacco products.
