Walmart shoppers warned of lead risk in Great Value dino nuggets
Attention Walmart shoppers who recently bought the Great Value brand of dino nuggets. The FSIS (U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service) has released a public health alert related to lead contamination.
Unsafe levels of lead are possible
This is your reminder to check your freezer and be aware of what you've got on hand. The FSIS has issued a public health alert for the Great Value brand frozen, dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets.
The reason behind the alert is unsafe levels of lead. This isn't a recall, but that's because the nuggets are no longer available to purchase in stores.
Refer to the lot and establishment numbers
More specifically, the product in question is the 29 oz plastic bags of Great Value dino nuggets with the "Best If Used By" date of "Feb 10 2027." There is also a lot code of 0416DPO1215 and the establishment number is 0416DPO1215.
Both the lot and establishment numbers can be found on the back of the bag.
If you've got a bag or two in your freezer that match these numbers, you are advised to throw them away and not consume them.
Why unsafe levels of lead are a problem
Consuming lead is never safe, no matter your age or health status. The level of lead in the nuggets could be up to five times higher for children than the interim reference level (IRL) permitted by FSIS.
Lead is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women. It can harm the developing brain and even the nervous system. These effects can be long-lasting.
Err on the side of caution when in doubt
It's always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to lead contamination. Because it's not safe to consume any amount of lead, you want to be very sure that what you have in your freezer is safe.
Source: USDA
