The Frozen Chicken Nuggets Sitting in Millions of Freezers Right Now Contain Dangerous Levels of Lead

If you're the kind of dad who keeps a bag of dino nuggets in the freezer for busy weeknights, this one's for you ... and it's urgent.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert this week for frozen, dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets that may be contaminated with unsafe levels of lead. The nuggets are sold under Walmart's Great Value brand and were shipped to Walmart locations nationwide.

Here's the part that should have your attention: no recall has been issued because the products are no longer available to purchase, but the FSIS is alerting the public because they may still be in people's freezers.

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The USDA has issued a health alert for dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets sold at Walmart, as they may contain lead.

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Here's Exactly What to Check

The impacted item is Great Value Dino Chicken Breast Nuggets packaged in 29-ounce blue plastic bags containing about 36 nuggets. The best if used by date is FEB 10 2027. The lot code stamped on the package is 0416DPO1215, and the establishment number P44164 is stamped inside the USDA mark of inspection on the back of the bag.

If that matches what's in your freezer, give them to your trash can, not your kids.

How Bad is the Lead Level?

Bad. The FDA's interim reference level for lead is 2.2 micrograms. The amount of lead found in these nuggets could be as much as five times higher than this level for children.

The lead was discovered by the New York State Department of Health as part of an ongoing program where laboratories perform analyses on FSIS' behalf to support surveillance for a range of potential hazards. It wasn't flagged by the manufacturer, but it was instead caught by a state partner doing routine checks.

Lead is especially dangerous for pregnant women, infants, and young children because it can harm developing brains and nervous systems, sometimes causing lasting problems such as learning disabilities and lowered IQ. There is no safe amount of lead exposure. But experts note the risk doesn't stop at kids — lead poses health concerns for adults too.

What to Do Right Now

Go check your freezer. If you have the affected product, do not eat it. Throw it away in a secure trash can or return it to the place of purchase. Walmart is offering full refunds.

If you have food safety questions, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854. FSIS is continuing to investigate and has warned that additional products could be added to the alert, so check back frequently.