Federal officials issued a nationwide public health alert following the detection of unsafe levels of lead in frozen, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets sold at Walmart, raising concern that affected products may be present in consumers’ freezers.

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) reported that 29-oz bags of Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets produced on February 10, 2026, may contain unsafe levels of lead, according to a press release from the agency. The products bear a “best if used by” date of February 10, 2027, along with lot code 0416DPO1215 and establishment number P44164, and were distributed to Walmart locations nationwide.

FSIS did not request a recall because the products are no longer available for purchase; however, the agency noted concern that the items may be in consumers’ freezers. The contamination was identified during routine surveillance sampling conducted by a state partner, and FSIS stated it is continuing to investigate the issue, with the potential for additional products to be identified.

Lead exposure poses risks for pregnant women, infants, and young children because it can affect developing brains and nervous systems and may result in lasting effects, according to FSIS. The agency stated that there is no safe amount of lead exposure and indicated that the levels detected in the nuggets could be as much as five times the US Food and Drug Administration’s interim reference level of 2.2 micrograms for children.

Consumers who purchased the affected products are advised not to consume them and to either discard them or return them to the place of purchase. FSIS also referred consumers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for additional information on the health effects of lead exposure.

Consumers with questions may contact Dorada Foods or the US Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline.

Source: New York Post, US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service