By: Richard L. Smith
Federal food safety officials are urging consumers to check their freezers after a popular Walmart-branded frozen chicken nugget product was flagged for possible contamination with elevated levels of lead.
According to information released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, the alert involves ready-to-eat, dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand.
While a formal recall was not issued, because the product is no longer available in stores, officials warn that some packages may still be in consumers’ homes.
The product identified includes 29-ounce bags labeled “Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets,” produced on February 10, 2026.
The packaging carries a “Best If Used By” date of February 10, 2027, along with lot code 0416DPO1215 and establishment number P-44164 printed on the back.
Food safety officials said the issue was discovered during routine surveillance sampling conducted by a state partner agency.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service continues to investigate and has not ruled out the possibility that additional products could be identified.
Health officials caution that lead exposure can be especially harmful to pregnant women, infants, and young children, potentially affecting brain development and the nervous system and leading to long-term health complications.
Consumers who may still have the product are advised not to consume it and to discard it immediately.