9 hours ago
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California health officials issued an urgent warning Tuesday telling shoppers to avoid several popular snacks after testing uncovered elevated levels of thallium, a poisonous metal tied to severe health complications.
The California Department of Public Health said multiple Brad’s Plant Based Crunchy Kale, Salad Snack and Veggie Chips products sold at major retailers across Southern California and other parts of the state are affected.
Officials identified the products as Brad’s Crunchy Kale Original, Vampire Killer, Cheeze It Up, Nacho and Radical Ranch flavors, along with Brad’s Balsamic and Ranch Salad Snacks and Brad’s Veggie Chips Kale varieties.
State health authorities warned consumers to stay away from all Brad’s brand kale snacks after several tested lots showed concerning thallium levels.
“Although uncommon, very high levels of thallium in foods may result in hair loss, numbness and pain in the feet and hands, gastrointestinal effects, and heart problems,” the department said in a statement.
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
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