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In 2022, over 400 Family Dollar locations were closed due to a rat infestation, including the store located in Linden. Now, Family Dollar is offering $25 gift cards to shoppers who bought any products between January 2020 and February 18, 2022.

The infestation began at the company’s West Memphis, Arkansas warehouse, and shut down 404 locations in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. An inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found unsanitary conditions, including a rodent infestation, that caused many of the products to become contaminated.

“Live rodents, dead rodents in various states of decay, rodent feces and urine, evidence of gnawing, nesting and rodent odors throughout the facility, dead birds and bird droppings,” the FDA said in a 2022 statement.

A federal review of company records indicated more than 2,300 rodents were discovered in 2021, “demonstrating a history of infestation.”

Examples of contaminated products included human food, including dietary supplements like vitamins, cosmetics such as lipsticks and shampoo, animal foods like kibble and pet treats, medical devices such as surgical masks and bandages, and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as pain medication and eye drops.

“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.”

Settlement claims can be submitted at www.fdwarehousesettlement.com/submit-claim. Please note that this claims portal is scheduled to close on January 9, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.