In Re: Family Dollar Stores, Inc., Pest Infestation Litigation

Case Background

On June 2, 2022, a class action lawsuit was filed against Family Dollar in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee (2:22md3032). The case was assigned to Chief Judge Sheryl H. Lipman and referred to Chief Magistrate Judge Tu M. Pham. The lawsuit arose from the severe rodent infestation at Family Dollar's distribution center in West Memphis, Arkansas, which led to widespread product contamination.

Cause

Family Dollar operated a distribution center in West Memphis, Arkansas, which supplied products to 404 stores across six states: Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Missouri, and Arkansas. Starting in January 2020, Family Dollar became aware of a severe rodent infestation at this facility but failed to take adequate steps to address the issue. Between January 11 and February 11, 2022, FDA inspectors conducted multiple visits and uncovered alarming evidence of widespread product contamination. They found live and dead rodents in various states of decay, along with rodent feces, urine, gnaw marks, and nesting materials throughout the warehouse. Products stored at this facility—such as human food, pet food, over-the-counter medications, cosmetics, and medical devices—showed signs of rodent contamination. Despite knowing about these hazardous conditions, Family Dollar continued distributing these contaminated products without disclosing the health risks to consumers. As a result, the company faced a temporary closure of its distribution center and a recall of FDA-regulated products in February 2022.

Injuries

The contaminated products posed serious health risks to consumers. Many individuals unknowingly purchased and used these products, exposing themselves to unsanitary conditions. The risk of Salmonella infection was particularly significant. Symptoms, including fever, diarrhea, n