About 25,000 bags of Brad’s Plant Based kale and vegetable chips have been recalled across the US over concerns they may contain elevated levels of the toxic metal thallium.
Snack Right Super Foods, which trades as Brad’s Raw Chips, said the voluntary recall affects four varieties of its products distributed nationwide through KeHE Distributors and United Natural Foods. The items were sold between October and December 2025.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said an estimated 2,097 cases, representing roughly 25,000 bags, may still be in circulation. The products were sold under the Brad’s Plant Based brand.
Products included in the Brad’s kale chips recall
The affected products include 2oz bags of Brad’s Crunchy Kale Original, UPC 813104021679, from lots 33525-1, 33525-2 and 33525-3, marked best before 1 February 2027; lot 34525-1, marked 11 February 2027; and lot 35125-2, marked 17 February 2027.
Also recalled is Brad’s Crunchy Kale Cheeze It Up, 2oz, UPC 813104021877, lot 35025-3, with a best-before date of 16 February 2027.
Brad’s Crunchy Kale Radical Ranch, 2oz, UPC 813104020726, is affected in lot 29425-1, marked best before 21 December 2026.
The recall also covers 3oz bags of Brad’s Veggie Chips Kale, UPC 854615002054. The affected lots are 33225-3, best before 28 January 2027; 33325-2, best before 29 January; 33425-1, best before 30 January; and 33525-1, best before 1 February.
Thallium is a naturally occurring metal found in soil and sulphur-based minerals. The FDA said it can be absorbed by plants, particularly members of the cabbage and radish family, which includes kale.
At relatively high levels, acute or long-term exposure can cause serious health problems including gastroenteritis, damage to peripheral nerves and alopecia, or hair loss. Anyone who believes they may have suffered adverse effects after eating the products should contact a healthcare professional.
The recall follows an investigation by the California Department of Public Health into a person with elevated thallium levels. Samples taken from shops in the Sacramento area were later found to contain elevated levels of the metal in several Brad’s products.
The FDA said its investigation found that the manufacturing process had not introduced the contaminant. Instead, dehydration removes around 85 to 90 per cent of the water from fresh kale, potentially concentrating elements already present in the crop.
Consumers who have any of the listed products should stop eating them and throw them away. The FDA said refunds are not being offered and the bags should not be returned to the shop where they were bought.
Questions about the recall can be sent to Alexa Olvera at Snack Right Super Foods by email at alexandra@thesnackright.com, between 10am and 4pm Eastern Time from Monday to Friday.
