Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets Sold at Walmart Could Have High Lead Levels
The USDA is warning people not to eat Great Value Dino Shaped nuggets with a certain lot code
The Department of Agriculture alerted consumers yesterday that Great Value Dino Shaped Chicken Nuggets sold nationwide at Walmart could have lead levels up to five times higher than what federal regulators consider acceptable in a food. The manufacturer, Dorada Foods, has not issued a recall because the products are no longer available in stores. But the USDA is warning consumers to check their freezers and throw out the affected product or return it.
The Risk of Lead Exposure
The lead levels found in these nuggets are worrisome, but the degree to which they pose a threat depends on how much someone has eaten, and for how long. There is no safe level of lead intake, but the risks of lead exposure accrue over time, says James E. Rogers, PhD, director of product and food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports. “Lead exposure in children and pregnant people can be especially dangerous since it is known to cause developmental problems,” he says. “It’s especially risky for kids under age 6.”
Specifically, lead exposure can damage the developing brain, slow growth and development, and cause learning, hearing, and speech problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These issues can lead to lower IQ, difficulty paying attention, and poor performance in school. Most kids have no obvious symptoms of lead exposure.
Frequent lead exposure in adults can also be risky, and has been linked to immune system suppression, reproductive issues, kidney damage, and hypertension.
What Parents Can Do
If you are concerned that your child has been exposed to excessive lead, you can ask your pediatrician to do a blood test, which the CDC says is usually covered by insurance
If your child tests positive, look for sources of lead in your home. The CDC provides a checklist. One major source of exposure can be drinking water. CR recommends testing your water for lead and arsenic and, if levels are high, installing a water filter.
Eating a varied diet, including foods that contain calcium, iron, and vitamin C, may help offset some of the negative effects of lead and other heavy metals. These include milk, yogurt, cheese, lean red meats, legumes, leafy greens, bell peppers, strawberries, and citrus fruit.
