4 varieties of Brad's Crunchy Kale, Veggie Chips recalled over possible toxic metal contamination

article Four flavors of Brad's Plant Based products are being voluntarily recalled because they may have elevated levels of a toxic metal in the product. (Photo: U.S. Food and Drug Administration) The Brief Approximately 25,000 bags of Brad’s Plant Based kale and veggie chip products across four varieties are being voluntarily recalled because they may contain elevated levels of thallium. Though thallium is a naturally occurring metal that, in high levels, can cause serious issues such as gastroenteritis, nerve damage, and hair loss. Anyone in possession of the affected product lots should immediately stop eating and discard them, rather than returning them to stores, as refunds are not being offered. Four varieties of plant-based crunchy kale and veggie chips kale products are being voluntarily recalled because they may contain elevated levels of a toxic metal, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. Big picture view: The FDA says the product may contain thallium, a naturally occurring metal found in the soil and in sulfur-based minerals. It can seep into plants and vegetables, particularly those in the cabbage and radish family. Acute or chronic exposure to thallium at relatively high levels can cause serious health issues like gastroenteritis, damage to peripheral nerves and hair loss, the agency’s advisory states. What to Look For: The recall includes approximately 25,000 bags of Brad’s Plant Based products, distributed nationwide and with the following lot numbers and best-by dates: Brad's Crunchy Kale, Original, 2 oz (57g) bag, UPC 813104021679, Lots 33525-1, 33525-2 and 33525-3 (Best By February 1, 2027), Lot 34525-1 (Best By February 11, 2027) and Lot 35125-2 (Best By February 17, 2027) Brad's Crunchy Kale, Cheeze It Up, 2 oz (57g) bag, UPC 813104021877, Lot 35025-3 (Best By February 16, 2027) Brad's Crunchy Kale, Radical Ranch, 2 oz (57g) bag, UPC 813104020726, Lot 29425-1 (Best By December 21, 2026) Brad's Veggie Chips Kale, 3 oz (85g) bag, UPC 854615002054, Lot 33225-3 (Best By January 28, 2027), Lot 33325-2 (Best By January 29, 2027), Lot 33425-1 (Best By January 30, 2027) and Lot 33525-1 (Best By February 1, 2027) Dig deeper: The California Department of Public Health warned customers not to eat certain Brad’s Plant Based products in May after investigating a case of a customer with elevated thallium levels. The department collected samples at retail stores in the Sacramento area and lab tests confirmed elevated levels of thallium in multiple varieties of the products. "The manufacturing process did not introduce the contaminant; however, the dehydration process removes approximately 85 to 90 percent of the product's water, which concentrates elements already present in the fresh kale," the FDA advisory states. What you can do: If you find any of the products with the codes listed above, stop consuming them at discard the product, the FDA says. Refunds are not being offered, and the agency says customers should not return the product to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact Alexa Olvera at Snack Right Super Foods, Inc. by email at [email protected] , Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. The Source: The information in this story came from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This story was reported from Orlando. Consumer Recalls