WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is warning consumers about a potential health risk linked to certain frozen chicken nuggets sold nationwide.
The agency’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, or Food Safety and Inspection Service, has issued a public health alert for Great Value fully cooked dinosaur-shaped chicken breast nuggets that may contain unsafe levels of lead.
The affected product was produced on February 10, 2026, and sold in 29-ounce bags with a “best if used by” date of February 10, 2027. The nuggets were distributed to Walmart stores across the country.
Officials say a formal recall was not issued because the product is no longer available in stores. However, there is concern that some packages may still be in consumers’ freezers.
The issue was discovered during routine testing conducted by a state agency. According to federal officials, the amount of lead found in the nuggets could be up to five times higher than recommended safety levels for children.
Health experts warn that lead exposure is particularly dangerous for young children, infants, and pregnant women, as it can damage the brain and nervous system. There is no known safe level of lead exposure.
Consumers who have purchased the product are urged not to eat it. Instead, they should throw it away or return it to the store where it was purchased.
Federal officials say the investigation is ongoing and additional products could be added to the alert if necessary.
Anyone with questions can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline or the manufacturer for more information.
