USDA Issues Warning Over Lead-Contaminated Frozen Chicken Nuggets

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert on April 3, 2026, warning consumers about dinosaur-shaped Great Value chicken nuggets sold at Walmart that contain dangerous lead contamination. The affected 29-ounce bags with lot code 0416DPO1215 and a best-by date of February 10, 2027, were shipped nationwide and may contain lead levels up to five times higher than the FDA's 2.2 microgram safety standard for children. The contamination was discovered during routine testing by a state partner, and while no formal recall was issued because the products are no longer being sold, officials warn that packages may still be in consumers' freezers. Lead exposure poses severe risks especially to pregnant women, infants, and young children as it can damage the brain and nervous system, and consumers are urged to discard or return the products immediately.

USDA Public Health Alert and Product Details

• ▪The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets sold under the Great Value brand at Walmart
• ▪The affected Great Value chicken nuggets were produced on Feb. 10, 2026
• ▪The affected product is 29-ounce bags of 'GREAT VALUE FULLY COOKED DINO SHAPED CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS' with a 'Best if used by' date of Feb. 10, 2027 and lot code 0416DPO1215
• ▪A recall was not issued for the Great Value chicken nuggets because the nuggets are no longer being sold
• ▪The lead contamination problem in the Great Value chicken nuggets was discovered during routine testing by a state partner
• ▪The affected Great Value chicken nuggets were shipped to Walmart stores nationwide
• ▪The USDA public health alert was issued on April 3, 2026

Lead Contamination Levels and Health Risks

• ▪The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has set a 2.2 microgram safety level for lead exposure in children
• ▪Lead exposure is especially dangerous for pregnant women, infants and young kids because it can damage the brain and nervous system
• ▪The Great Value chicken nuggets may contain lead levels as much as five times higher than the 2.2 microgram safety level set for children by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Consumer Actions and Safety Guidance

• ▪Consumers with questions about the Great Value chicken nuggets alert can contact the USDA's meat and poultry hotline at 888-674-6854
• ▪Consumers who have the affected Great Value chicken nuggets should not eat them and should instead throw them away or return them to the Walmart where they were purchased
• ▪Some packages of the affected Great Value chicken nuggets may still be in people's freezers

Perspective of U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service

• ▪The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service discovered the lead contamination in Great Value chicken nuggets through routine testing by a state partner
• ▪The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service advises consumers to throw away or return the affected Great Value chicken nuggets to Walmart
• ▪The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service provides a meat and poultry hotline at 888-674-6854 for consumer questions about the Great Value chicken nuggets alert

Perspective of Public health advocates

• ▪There is no safe amount of lead exposure for any individual

Perspective of Walmart

• ▪Walmart sold 29-ounce bags of Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets at stores nationwide
• ▪Walmart accepts returns of the affected Great Value chicken nuggets from consumers who purchased them