The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for frozen dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets that may contain unsafe levels of lead. The affected product, Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets, was produced on February 10, 2026, and shipped to Walmart locations nationwide. While the product is no longer available for purchase, the FSIS is concerned that some packages may still be in consumers' freezers .

Which Chicken Nuggets Are Affected?

The recall involves 29-ounce plastic bags containing approximately 36 nuggets with a "Best If Used By" date of February 10, 2027, and lot code "0416DPO1215." The establishment number "P44164" is printed on the back of the bag. The problem was discovered during routine surveillance sampling conducted by a state partner .

If you purchased these nuggets from Walmart, check your freezer immediately. The contamination level is particularly concerning because the lead found in these nuggets could be as much as five times higher than the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) interim reference level of 2.2 micrograms for children .

Why Is Lead in Food Such a Serious Health Risk?

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. Health experts emphasize that these nuggets may pose a risk for women who are pregnant or who could become pregnant, as lead exposure during pregnancy can affect fetal development .

"Lead is especially dangerous for pregnant women, infants, and young children because it can harm developing brains and nervous systems, sometimes causing lasting problems," noted the FSIS in their public health alert.

FSIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented that lead consumption can cause neurological damage, behavioral problems, and developmental delays in children. Even low-level exposure over time can accumulate in the body and cause harm.

Steps to Protect Your Family From Contaminated Products

• Check Your Freezer: Look for the specific Great Value dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets with the lot code "0416DPO1215" and establishment number "P44164" on the back of the bag.
• Do Not Consume: If you have purchased these products, do not serve them to your family. Do not cook or eat them under any circumstances.
• Dispose Safely: Throw away the contaminated nuggets or return them to your local Walmart store for a refund or replacement.
• Report the Issue: If you have consumed these nuggets or suspect exposure, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or file a complaint through the Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

The FSIS is continuing to investigate this issue and may add additional products to the alert. Consumers are encouraged to check back frequently for updates .

What Should You Know About Food Safety Moving Forward?

This incident highlights the importance of routine food safety surveillance and the role that state partners play in protecting consumers. The contamination was discovered through standard testing procedures, demonstrating that the system does work to catch problems before they cause widespread harm. However, it also underscores the need for consumers to stay informed about recalls and to check their pantries and freezers regularly .

For consumers with food safety questions, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available toll-free at 888-674-6854. You can also send questions via email to the FSIS. Media inquiries can be directed to John Patrick Lopez, Vice President of Strategy, Communications and Government Affairs at Dorada Foods, the company responsible for the product .

If you have young children or are pregnant, take extra precautions to verify the safety of frozen chicken products before serving them. While this specific recall affects only one product line, staying vigilant about food safety is an essential part of protecting your family's health.