USDA issues alert for Walmart dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets over possible lead contamination
UDPATE: USDA retracts health alert for Walmart chicken nuggets after false lead test
Federal food safety officials are warning consumers not to eat certain frozen, dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets sold at Walmart stores nationwide due to possible contamination with unsafe levels of lead.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert Wednesday for 29-ounce bags of “Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets” produced Feb. 10, 2026.
A recall was not issued because the product is no longer available for purchase, but officials said some packages may still be in consumers’ freezers.
The affected products bear a “best if used by” date of Feb. 10, 2027, lot code 0416DPO1215 and establishment number P44164. The nuggets were distributed to Walmart locations nationwide.
The issue was identified during routine sampling by a state partner, and the investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility that additional products could be added.
Lead exposure poses serious health risks, particularly for pregnant women, infants and young children, as it can harm developing brains and nervous systems. Federal officials said there is no safe level of lead exposure, and the amount detected in the nuggets could be up to five times higher than the Food and Drug Administration’s interim reference level for children.
Officials warned the product may also pose risks to women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.
Consumers who purchased the nuggets are urged not to eat them and should instead discard the product or return it to the place of purchase.
Consumers with questions can contact Dorada Foods or call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.
