California’s health authorities have issued an urgent alert urging consumers to steer clear of several widely-loved snacks following the discovery of high thallium concentrations, a toxic metal linked to serious health issues.
The California Department of Public Health identified that various products from Brad’s Plant Based line, including Crunchy Kale, Salad Snacks, and Veggie Chips, available at major retailers throughout Southern California and beyond, are implicated.
The specific items flagged include Brad’s Crunchy Kale in Original, Vampire Killer, Cheeze It Up, Nacho, and Radical Ranch flavors, as well as the Balsamic and Ranch Salad Snacks and Kale Veggie Chips varieties.
Health officials have advised consumers to avoid all Brad’s brand kale snacks, following tests that revealed concerning levels of thallium in several batches.
The department’s statement highlighted that while rare, excessive thallium in food can lead to symptoms such as hair loss, numbness and pain in the extremities, digestive issues, and cardiac complications.
The investigation began in January after officials looked into a case involving a person with elevated thallium levels who reported eating Brad’s kale products, according to CDPH.
Laboratory testing later detected elevated amounts of the toxic metal in product samples taken from Sacramento-area retail stores.
The products are distributed by Snack Right Super Foods Inc. and Brad’s Raw Chips LLC, state officials said.
CDPH said the manufacturer was asked to voluntarily recall the products, but the items remain available for sale.
California officials urged customers to throw the snacks away or return them to stores for refunds. Retailers were also advised to pull the products from shelves.
The department said it is coordinating with the US Food and Drug Administration and Pennsylvania officials because the products are shipped from Pennsylvania and contain ingredients labeled as products of Mexico