The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a public health alert for certain frozen chicken nuggets sold nationwide under a Walmart store brand after testing found they may contain unsafe levels of lead.
Officials said a recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for sale, but warned consumers may still have the nuggets in their freezers.
The alert applies to 29-ounce bags of Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets produced Feb. 10 with a “best if used by” date of Feb. 10, 2027, according to FSIS. The product has lot code 0416DPO1215 and establishment number P44164.
The nuggets were distributed to Walmart locations across the country and were produced by Dorada Foods.
Health officials said the issue was discovered during routine surveillance sampling conducted by a state partner.
According to federal officials, the product may contain lead levels up to five times higher than the interim reference level established by the Food and Drug Administration for children. Health experts warn there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Lead exposure can be especially harmful to pregnant women, infants and young children, potentially damaging developing brains and nervous systems and causing long-term health problems.
FSIS is urging consumers not to eat the product and to either throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.
Consumers with questions can contact Dorada Foods or call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.
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