Family Dollar is gradually reopening stores after more than 1,000 rodents were found in a distribution center

• Family Dollar closed 404 stores after 1,000 rodents were found in a distribution center.
• A spokesperson told Insider they are now gradually reopening some of the affected stores.

Family Dollar is gradually reopening stores after more than 1,000 rodents were found in a distribution center in Arkansas.

The announcement comes after 404 stores in six states serviced by the distribution center were promptly closed after a consumer complaint triggered an inspection which found live rodents, dead rodents in "various states of decay," rodent feces, dead birds, and bird droppings.

A Family Dollar spokesperson told Insider the company has now started "the process of reopening stores gradually," adding that it is continuing to pay employees for scheduled shifts and offering working hours to distribution center staffers.

The company released a list of affected stores on February 18, which includes locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.

"In order to proficiently conduct the voluntary recall, we temporarily closed the affected stores that received product from the distribution center to provide time to properly pull and dispose of product, as well as sanitize impacted areas," the spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson, the distribution center has also reopened though is "operating at a limited capacity" and "working on a remediation plan."

The company said on February 18 it is "fully cooperating with all regulatory agencies in the resolution of this matter," and released a joint statement with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcing a voluntary recall, Insider previously reported.

The recall affects purchases made in January and February, and includes human food, pet food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, medical devices, and over-the-counter medications.

"We temporarily closed the affected stores in order to proficiently conduct the voluntary recall of certain FDA-regulated products," Family Dollar said on the day it announced the store closures. "Our teams are working hard to reopen these stores as soon as possible."