https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...res-shut-THOUSAND-dead-rodents-warehouse.html
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More than 400 Family Dollar stores are shut down after FDA discovers a THOUSAND dead rodents at Arkansas distribution center: Video emerges of worker feeding one a Pringle
By MATT MCNULTY FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
- Over 400 Family Dollar stores have been closed after the FDA discovered more than a thousand dead rats and birds at a Arkansas distribution center
- FDA inspectors made that discovery after Robert Bradford, who worked at the West Memphis distribution center, sent video of the infestation to WREG
- More than 400 Family Dollar stores have since been temporarily closed
- Video taken shows rats fighting together on the warehouse floor, rodents scurrying up and down the aisles, and a dead rat that had been caught in a trap
- The infestation has been an issue going back to at least 2014, when a downtown Memphis Family Dollar store was shut down for smelling like 'dead rats'
- And in 2019, a health inspection report noted rodent droppings on store shelves at a Hickory Hill Family Dollar store, causing that location to close
- Are YOU a Family Dollar regular? Have you got sick after eating from the store or noticed signs of rodent infestation in your products? Email matt.mcnulty@mailonline.com
PUBLISHED: 11:09 EST, 21 February 2022 | UPDATED: 16:46 EST, 21 February 2022
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More than 400 Family Dollar stores have been closed after the FDA discovered at least a thousand dead rats and birds at a Arkansas distribution center after a whistleblower shared video of the infestation - including one employee feeding the rodents.
Warehouse worker Robert Bradford says he was fired from West Memphis distribution center, Arkansas, after he shared footage last month of rats fighting together on the warehouse floor, scurrying up and down the aisles, and a dead rat that had been caught in a trap.
Bradford's clip also showed an unidentified coworker trying to feed one of the rats a Pringle with his own bare hands.
'It's 61 aisles in the warehouse, you're going to see them from aisles one to 61,' Bradford told local news outlet WREG. 'They be running around, they be on the floor inside the boxes.'
The video caught the attention of the Food and Drug Administration who launched an investigation and closed down more than 400 stores temporarily.
Among the products that have been flagged for possible rodent contamination are cosmetics, food items for humans and pets, and over-the-counter medications.
400+ Family Dollar stores closed after FDA discovers +1K dead rats
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More than 400 Family Dollar stores have been closed after the FDA discovered at least a thousand dead rats and birds at a Arkansas distribution center. Pictured, a rat is seen atop bottles of water at the warehouse
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A former warehouse worker's cellphone video showed an unidentified coworker trying to feed one of the rats a Pringle with his own bare hands
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Footage shared last month of rats fighting together on the warehouse floor, scurrying up and down the aisles, and a dead rat that had been caught in a trap
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The video caught the attention of the Food and Drug Administration who launched an investigation and closed down more than 400 stores temporarily. Pictured: Adead rat caught in a trap at the West Memphis Family Dollar distribution center
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Warehouse worker Robert Bradford, pictured, says he was fired after he shared footage last month of rats infesting the Family Dollar distribution center
'Families rely on stores like Family Dollar for products such as food and medicine. They deserve products that are safe,' said Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs Judith McMeekin, Pharm.D.
'No one should be subjected to products stored in the kind of unacceptable conditions that we found in this Family Dollar distribution facility. These conditions appear to be violations of federal law that could put families’ health at risk. We will continue to work to protect consumers.'
The agency reported that it found live and dead rodents, many in various states of decay, along with dead birds after conducting an inspection of the warehouse.
Inspectors believe products kept at the facility were contaminated by the infestation, and have warned customers to throw away any recent Family Dollar purchases.
Now, the FDA is warning customers of a possible Salmonella outbreak due to the rodent contamination in six states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.
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Most people who get ill from Salmonella have diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days, according to the CDC.
It's a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract, and is the most frequently reported cause of food-related illness in the United States.
The infestation has been an issue going back to at least 2014, when a downtown Memphis Family Dollar store was shut down for smelling like 'dead rats.'
Family Dollar products recalled due to possible rodent contamination
Cosmetics (makeup, lotions and shampoo, for example)
Medical devices (items such as face masks, bandages and feminine hygiene products)
Medications (eye drops, antacids and other over-the-counter products)
Dietary supplements (including vitamins)
Food (for humans and pets)
And in 2019, a health inspection report noted rodent droppings on store shelves at a Hickory Hill Family Dollar store, causing that location to close.
After reviewing the company's internal records, the FDA said there may have been a history of infestation, as the records indicate a 'collection of more than 2,300 rodents between Mar. 29 and Sep. 17, 2021.'
Both customers and employees alike shared their reactions to the infestation on social media, expressing their disgust at the news, while others offered some more insight into the gravity of the problem.
'Former Store Mgr here. The stores are also infested w/rats!!!' one person tweeted.
'This is actually sad because thousands of low income families rely on stores like this for basic necessities,' a Twitter user noted.
'Having managed a Family Dollar store, this doesn't surprise me but it is still disgusting,' a former store manager tweeted.
'On the plus side, Family Dollar will soon be undercutting Petsmart on live rat prices,' another person commented.
'I'd forgotten about the Family Dollar rat infestation thing. I kinda figured all facilities were infested with rats tbh. Maybe they should invest in some warehouse cats,' a third person tweeted.
'You really do get what you pay for... with rat poop free!' another user tweeted.
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Pictured: A large, dead rat caught at the Family Dollar warehouse
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Family Dollar has 8,000 stores across the US but only 4500 are affected by the warehouse infestation (file image)
Family Dollar has since initiated a voluntary recall on certain products from the distribution facility following news of the most recent warehouse infestation.
The company claims all affected stores have been notified and temporarily closed, with employees having been asked to quarantine as the issue is sorted out by the FDA.
'We take situations like this very seriously and are committed to providing safe and quality products to our customers,' a spokesperson with Family Dollar told WREG.
'We have been fully cooperating with all regulatory agencies in the resolution of this matter and are in the process of remediating the issue.
Are YOU a Family Dollar regular? Have you got sick after eating from the store or noticed signs of rodent infestation in your products? Email matt.mcnulty@mailonline.com.
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