Chicken nuggets from Walmart could have dangerous amounts of lead: USDA health alert

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert on Wednesday for frozen, dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets that may contain unsafe levels of lead.

The “Dino shaped chicken nuggets” were sold at Walmart locations nationwide. The FSIS did not request a recall, because the nuggets are no longer available for purchase. However, the agency is concerned some bags may still be in consumers’ freezers.

The problem was discovered during routine surveillance sampling conducted by a state partner. In the meantime, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service  continues to investigate this issue.

What are the health risks of lead in food?

Lead is toxic to humans and especially dangerous for pregnant women, infants, and young children because it can harm developing brains and nervous systems, sometimes causing lasting problems. There is no safe amount of lead exposure.

According to the FSIS alert, the amount of lead found in these chicken nuggets could be as much as five times higher than guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration provided for children.

At low levels of lead exposure, children may not have obvious symptoms, but they can still experience trouble learning, low IQ, and behavior changes. At higher levels, people may experience fatigue, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, or neurologic changes.

What is the product information for the alert?

Here are the details of the products mentioned in the alert:

• Product Name: GREAT VALUE FULLY COOKED DINO SHAPED CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS
• Establishment number and lot codes: Lot code “0416DPO1215,” and establishment number “P44164” printed on the back of the bag.
• Package size and type:  29-oz. plastic bags containing approximately 36 nuggests 
• Best if used by date: FEB 10 2027

What if I have this product in my refrigerator or freezer?

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. Instead, these products should be thrown away.

Consumers with questions about the health alert can contact John Patrick Lopez, Vice President, Strategy, Communications & Government Affairs, Dorada Foods, at john.patrick@lopezdorada.com.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov.

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