Check Your Freezer: Michigan Alert Issued Over Lead in Nuggets

Why is there no recall on something being sold right here in Michigan that could contain unsafe levels of lead? That’s the question a lot of people are asking after a new federal alert involving frozen chicken nuggets sold at Walmart stores.

Michigan Families Urged to Check Freezers

The warning focuses on Great Value dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets, the kind many Michigan families keep stocked in the freezer for quick meals.

READ MORE: Two Dead Bodies Found Just Days Apart at Michigan Meijer Store

According to federal regulators, certain 29-ounce bags may contain elevated levels of lead, raising serious concerns for households with young kids, especially those in Flint following the water crisis.

How to Identify the Affected Dino Nuggets

According to ABC 12, here’s what to look for. The affected bags have a “best if used by” date of February 10, 2027, along with the lot code 0416DPO1215 and establishment number P44164 printed on the packaging. These nuggets were produced on February 10 and shipped to Walmart stores across the country, including locations throughout Michigan.

Get our free mobile app

The issue was discovered during routine testing by a state food inspection agency, which found lead levels about five times higher than the reference level set by the Food and Drug Administration. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says there is no safe level of lead in food.

Why There Is No Recall Despite the Warning

So back to that big question, why no recall? According to the USDA, the product is no longer being sold in stores, which is why a formal recall was not issued. That does not mean the risk is gone. Officials believe some of these nuggets could still be sitting in freezers across Michigan.

READ MORE: Hill Road Meijer Store Completes Renovation Project

Health experts say pregnant women and young children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure. If you have these nuggets at home, do not take the chance. You are urged to throw them away or return them to Walmart for a full refund. Federal officials say additional testing is ongoing, and more alerts could be issued if other products are impacted.