Four varieties of Brad's Plant Based kale chips recalled over toxic metal risk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a voluntary recall of four varieties of Brad's Plant Based crunchy kale and veggie chips due to potential contamination with thallium, a toxic metal, Fox 5 DC reported.

Thallium is a naturally occurring metal found in soil and sulfur-based minerals that can accumulate in plants such as kale. Exposure to high levels of thallium can cause serious health problems including gastroenteritis, nerve damage, and hair loss, according to the FDA advisory.

Approximately 25,000 bags of the recalled products were distributed nationwide, including the Washington DC area. The recall follows a California Department of Public Health investigation after a customer showed elevated thallium levels linked to these products.

The FDA clarified that the manufacturing process did not introduce thallium; rather, the dehydration process concentrates elements already present in the fresh kale. Consumers are advised to stop consuming and discard any affected products with the specified lot numbers and best-by dates.

Refunds are not being offered, and customers should not return the products to stores. Questions can be directed to Snack Right Super Foods, Inc. via email, the FDA stated.