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This dollar store recalled every single product because of a massive rodent infestation

Published Mar 12th, 2022 12:40PM EST
woman in yellow dress pushing grocery shopping cart
Image: Kaspars Grinvalds/Adobe

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Family Dollar announced a massive recall a few weeks ago, stopping sales of many products in its stores after discovering an enormous rodent infestation at a distribution center. The recall was so significant that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a separate warning to inform customers about the significant recall action. A couple of weeks later, Dollar Tree issued its own recall for every single Family Dollar product it sells.

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The Family Dollar recall

Family Dollar detailed the recall in a press release on February 18th. The FDA issued its own alert on the same day, providing more context about the recall and investigation findings.

The FDA recovered more than 1,100 dead rodents after fumigating the West Memphis, Arkansas, Family Dollar distribution center. Also, the agency discovered that the company dealt with a similar infestation last year.

As a result, Family Dollar recalled every single product that passed through that warehouse. The Dollar Tree recall also covers some of these products:

  • human foods (including dietary supplements (vitamin, herbal and mineral supplements))
  • cosmetics (skincare products, baby oils, lipsticks, shampoos, baby wipes)
  • animal foods (kibble, pet treats, wild bird seed)
  • medical devices (feminine hygiene products, surgical masks, contact lens cleaning solutions, bandages, nasal care products)
  • over-the-counter (OTC) medications (pain medications, eye drops, dental products, antacids, other medications for both adults and children)

The Dollar Tree recalls

Almost a month later, Dollar Tree has issued a few recalls of its own. They’re all related to the Family Dollar rat-related recall from mid-February.

The company doesn’t have a press release, but Food Safety News found three FDA enforcement reports for massive categories of Family Dollar products.

Here are the Family Dollar products from the updated Dollar Tree recall:

  • Cosmetic products purchased from Family Dollar retail stores located in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee, including but not limited to skin and eye care products, baby oil, lipstick, shampoo, baby wipesCosmetic products purchased from Family Dollar retail stores located in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee, including but not limited to skin and eye care products, baby oil, lipstick, shampoo, baby wipes – see enforcement report
  • Dietary supplements purchased from Family Dollar retail stores located in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee, including but not limited to vitamins, herbal and mineral supplements – see enforcement report
  • Pet food and treats purchased from Family Dollar retail stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee that are packaged in material other than glass or metal can – see enforcement report

What you should do

If you purchased any Family Dollar products from Dollar Tree, you should throw them out. You can also return them to the place of purchase for a refund. You’ll want to check the initial recall announcement and FDA alert at this link.

Our previous coverage includes more information about the Family Dollar recall.

Also, make sure that you check the enforcement reports listed above for more information about the Dollar Tree recall. You’ll find contact information for Dollar Tree in the FDA paperwork. Your local Dollar Tree stores should also have additional information on hand about the Family Dollar recall.

Finally, if you think you’ve experienced any health issues that might be related to handling, using, or consuming Family Dollar products, you should contact a doctor. Rodents can carry plenty of germs that can be passed on to humans, including Salmonella.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.