Health Alert Issued Over Lead Concerns in Dino-Shaped Chicken Nuggets

The USDA warned that Great Value dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets sold at Walmart may have been contaminated with lead.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:09am

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a health alert after a sampling found Great Value dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets, sold at Walmart locations nationwide, may have been contaminated with lead. The products were produced on February 10 and have a 'best if used by' date of February 10, 2027, with the lot code '0416DPO1215' and establishment number 'P44164'.

Why it matters

Lead exposure, even in small amounts, can have serious long-term health consequences, especially for young children. While the chicken nuggets are no longer sold in stores, they may still be in customers' freezers, posing a potential risk.

The details

The health alert was issued without a recall because the chicken nuggets are not sold in stores anymore, but may still be in customers' freezers. Health experts warn that ingesting lead, even occasionally, can lead to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and reproductive issues. Children under 6 are especially vulnerable, as lead poisoning can severely affect their mental and physical development.

  • The products were produced on February 10, 2026.
  • The 'best if used by' date on the products is February 10, 2027.

The players

U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service

The federal agency responsible for ensuring the safety of the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products.

Walmart

The largest retail company in the world, which sold the potentially contaminated dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets at its locations nationwide.

World Health Organization

The United Nations agency responsible for international public health, which found that more than 1.5 million deaths were attributed to lead exposure in 2021.

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The takeaway

This health alert highlights the importance of being vigilant about potential food safety issues, even with products that are no longer on store shelves. Consumers should check their freezers for the affected dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets and dispose of them properly to avoid any potential lead exposure, especially for young children.