In 2022 EGG-NEWS reported on unsanitary conditions at a Little Rock, AR distribution center operated by Family Dollar a subsidiary of Dollar Tree Inc.  Inspection by state and FDA officers confirmed rodent infestation and contamination of FDA-regulated products including cosmetics, food, drugs and medical devices.  Family Dollar recently entered into a plea agreement with the Department of Justice accepting a fine amounting to $41.7 million.  The plea agreement also mandates that the holding company and its subsidiaries should meet robust corporate compliance and reporting requirements for a three-year period.

Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Micer stated, “When consumers go to a store they have the right to expect that food and drugs on the shelves have been kept in clean uncontaminated conditions.”  He added, “When companies violate their trust in the laws designed to keep consumers safe the public should rest assure that the Justice Department will hold companies accountable.”

The company admitted that the Little rock, AR. distribution center that shipped to more than 400 stores in six southern states, was aware of a rodent problem in 2020 and that by the beginning of 2021 products were held under unsanitary conditions. Notwithstanding the extent of the situation the Company continued to ship products until January 2022 when the facility was closed by the FDA.  Corrective action included fumigation of the distribution center and a recall of all products shipped after January 1^st, 2021 to 404 stores.

News reports indicated that 1,200 rat and mouse remains were collected after fumigation of the closed facility. The fine works out to approximately $35,000 per rodent!