April 7, 2026:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has RETRACTED a public health alert issued last week (April 1, 2026) for Walmart’s Great Value brand, frozen, dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets after confirming that the product does NOT pose a public health concern.
The public health alert was originally issued based on routine surveillance sampling conducted by the New York State Department of Public Health that indicated elevated trace levels of lead. Because this product is commonly consumed by children, FSIS issued the alert to inform consumers of a potential risk.
Following the alert, additional sampling was conducted by the New York State Department of Public Health and the establishment where the chicken nuggets were produced (Dorada Foods). As part of that process, the original lot of product was tested as well as additional lots. All follow-up testing found NO elevated levels of lead in the product.
FSIS subsequently reviewed the underlying laboratory data in coordination with the New York State Department of Health and determined that the initial result was a false positive, caused by sporadic lead contamination at the laboratory during analysis, not contamination of the product itself. Follow up testing confirmed no elevated levels of lead were present in any of the products tested.
FSIS has updated its original public health alert website for this product to ensure consumers have accurate and up-to-date information.
April 2, 2026:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a public health alert for Great Value brand, frozen dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets that may be contaminated with unsafe levels of lead.
The 29 ounce packages of chicken nuggets were produced on Feb. 10, 2026, and shipped to Walmart locations nationwide. People who have purchased the Great Value brand, frozen dinosaur-shaped, chicken nuggets should NOT EAT THEM. Instead, purchasers are urged to throw the products away or return them to the Walmart where they were purchased.
A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase, however, USDA is concerned some packages may still be in customers’ freezers. The unsafe lead level was discovered during routine surveillance sampling conducted by one of USDA’s state partners. The Food Safety and Inspection Service is continuing to investigate the issue.
Lead is especially dangerous for pregnant women, infants, and young children because it can harm developing brains and nervous systems, sometimes causing lasting problems. There is no safe amount of lead exposure.
Product information:
29-oz. plastic bags containing approx. 36 “GREAT VALUE FULLY COOKED DINO SHAPED CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS” with “BEST IF USED BY” date “FEB 10 2027,” lot code” 0416DPO1215,” and establishment number “P44164” printed on the back of the bag.
Comments