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Kale chips recalled because of thallium contamination

Kale chips recalled because of thallium contamination

Snack Right Super Foods Inc., doing business as Brad's Raw Chips, is recalling Brad's Plant Based Crunchy Kale and Brad's Veggie Chips Kale products because they may contain thallium.

Thallium (Tl) is a naturally occurring metal found in the soil and in sulfur-based minerals. It can be taken up by plants and vegetables, particularly those in the Brassicaceous family, including kale, cabbage and radish. Acute or chronic exposure to thallium can result in serious adverse health effects, including gastroenteritis, damage to peripheral nerves, and alopecia (hair loss).

The products were distributed nationwide through KeHE Distributors and United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), and sold directly to five individual consumers. Approximately 25,000 bags of the recalled products are estimated to be in commerce. Distribution occurred between October 2025 and December 2025.

The recall includes the following Brad's Plant Based products, all in bags, distributed under the brand name Brad's Plant Based, with the lot numbers and Best By dates listed below:

In May 2026, the California Department of Public Health advised consumers not to eat certain Brad's Plant Based products after it investigated an inquiry from one individual with elevated thallium levels. The health department collected samples at retail stores in the Sacramento area, and laboratory testing found elevated thallium levels in multiple varieties. 

The recall was initiated after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised the firm of thallium in tested products. Brassica crops such as kale are known to accumulate certain elements from soil. 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.

Consumers who have purchased any of the products listed above should stop consuming them immediately and discard the product. Refunds are not being offered, and the product should not be returned to the place of purchase.

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