Brad's Raw Chips is recalling roughly 25,000 bags of kale snacks nationwide over possible contamination with thallium, a toxic metal linked to serious health effects, including nerve damage and hair loss.
Here's what to know
Best-by dates for the recalled snacks range from December 2026 to February 2027. The affected products are select 3-ounce packages of Brad's Veggie Chips Kale and 2-ounce packages of Brad's Plant Based Crunchy Kale, according to NTD.
The recall includes the Crunchy Kale flavors Original, Cheeze It Up, and Radical Ranch. Nationwide distribution took place through KeHE Distributors and United Natural Foods Inc. from October through December 2025.
After the Food and Drug Administration notified Brad's that product tests had detected thallium, Brad's initiated the recall. The California investigation began with an inquiry from a person whose thallium levels were elevated.
More background
According to Brad's, manufacturing did not introduce the metal. Dehydrating kale, however, removes roughly 85% to 90% of its water, increasing the concentration of elements the plant already contains.
Soil can be a source of elements kale and related crops take up, NTD said.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Gastrointestinal symptoms of thallium poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Other effects include cardiac problems, pain or numbness in the extremities, nerve damage, and hair loss.
Ordinary environmental exposure to thallium occurs at levels below those known to cause harmful effects. Tests of hair, blood, or urine can measure thallium levels.
What can be done?
According to NTD, consumers can identify affected packages by matching their best-by date, lot number, UPC, size, and flavor to the recall information.
UPC 813104021679 identifies the recalled 2-ounce Original Crunchy Kale packages. The affected lots, listed by best-by date, are 35125-2 for Feb. 17, 2027; 34525-1 for Feb. 11, 2027; and 33525-1, 33525-2, and 33525-3 for Feb. 1, 2027.
A best-by date of Dec. 21, 2026, and lot 29425-1 identify the affected 2-ounce Radical Ranch Crunchy Kale, UPC 813104020726. The recalled 2-ounce Cheeze It Up Crunchy Kale, UPC 813104021877, carries a Feb. 16, 2027, best-by date and lot 35025-3.
For the recalled 3-ounce Veggie Chips Kale, look for UPC 854615002054 and these best-by date and lot combinations: Feb. 1, 2027, with 33525-1; Jan. 30, 2027, with 33425-1; Jan. 29, 2027, with 33325-2; or Jan. 28, 2027, with 33225-3.
An elevated thallium result from a urine or hair test does not establish whether health problems will develop, but medical advice is recommended for anyone who thinks the recalled snacks made them ill.
An estimated 2,097 cases of affected products are still in commerce.
Where can I learn more?
These stories cover more examples of recent food recalls, including produce, eggs, garlic-infused oil, and tofu.
• Across the United States, lettuce, jalapeños, and eggs keep appearing on recall lists amid bacterial and parasitic outbreaks.
• Garlic-infused olive oil sold in Ohio and online was recalled over unapproved garlic oil.
• In New York, a tofu recall exceeded 10,000 cases over possible ink contamination.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
