About 25,000 bags of kale chips have been recalled across the United States after tests found they may contain thallium, a toxic metal — and shoppers are told to throw them away, with no refund offered. The recall covers about 25,000 bags — roughly 2,097 cases — of Brad’s Plant Based Crunchy Kale, in 2-ounce bags, and Veggie Chips Kale, in 3-ounce bags, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. The company announced the recall on November 2 and the FDA published it on November 3. Press coverage of the recall spread on Monday, November 9. The hazard is thallium. The FDA says high exposure can cause gastroenteritis, peripheral nerve damage and alopecia — hair loss. The California Department of Public Health investigated in May 2026 after one person was found with elevated thallium levels, and the recall follows that investigation.
Which bags are affected
The affected Crunchy Kale Original, UPC 813104021679, covers lots 33525-1, 33525-2, 33525-3, 34525-1 and 35125-2, with best-by dates from February 1 to 17, 2027. The Veggie Chips Kale, UPC 854615002054, covers lots 33225-3, 33325-2, 33425-1 and 33525-1, with best-by dates from January 28 to February 1, 2027. The FDA summary lists four varieties in total. The FDA list also includes a Cheeze It Up variety, UPC 813104021877, lot 35025-3, with a best-by date of February 16, 2027 — shoppers should check the lot number against the FDA list before deciding whether a bag is affected. The bags were distributed nationwide from October to December 2025 through distributors KeHE and UNFI, so they will have been sold in natural-food stores and supermarkets across the country.
Throw them away — do not return them
The remedy is unusual: there are no refunds, and shoppers should NOT return the bags to the store — they should discard them, according to the FDA notice and press reports. The safety advice is consistent across all food recalls: check the lot number, not just the brand name, because only specific lots are affected. The recall is a reminder that food safety checks can reach even small-batch health foods: a bag of kale chips bought as a healthy snack can carry the same recall risk as any other packaged food. With the holiday season approaching and many of these bags bought months ago, anyone with Brad’s kale chips in the cupboard should check the lot number before the next snack.
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