City inspectors shut down the Family Dollar store at 995 Blue Hill Ave. after discovering serious health violations, including a rodent problem and stagnant water in the basement. This decision came after inspectors noticed rats had been feeding on items in the store.
Tom McAdams, who leads the Health Division at the Inspectional Services Department, arrived at the scene and immediately recognized the store’s issues by its smell. After 29 years in this job, it’s easy to tell when there’s a rodent situation,” he said. “We had to close the store because it wasn’t safe for customers.”
The inspection revealed multiple violations, including one that posed a significant risk of foodborne illness. There was also an urgent need for pest control to combat the rodent infestation. A disconnected sump pump had caused water to accumulate in the basement, exacerbating the situation. Additionally, inspectors found thick dust on shelves and rodent droppings in various spots throughout the store.
Family Dollar’s headquarters in North Carolina was contacted for comments but did not respond immediately. Background information shows that this store has faced issues in the past; inspectors had previously held a hearing for rodent conditions and temporarily restricted food sales. Recent social media posts highlighting the store’s poor conditions had prompted a renewed inspection.
Despite the large challenges, McAdams noted that some corporate stores do hire external cleaning services. Employees claimed they clean daily before opening, but it seems this was insufficient. It was clear they needed extra help,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of community health and safety.
To reopen, the store must address all violations, provide pest control reports, and implement a comprehensive cleaning schedule. They could request a hearing soon, as these typically happen quickly, and a follow-up inspection will be necessary to ensure compliance.
The closure has sparked discussions on social media, highlighting the community’s concern for public health. One user commented, “We need to look after our local stores to keep our neighborhoods safe.
This incident underscores the significance of health inspections in maintaining standards at local businesses. According to a 2023 survey by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), 48% of respondents reported an increase in health inspections due to growing public health awareness.
As the Family Dollar works to reopen, many hope that the necessary changes will lead to a safer shopping environment for the community.
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