Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on May 27, 2026
Brad’s Plant Based Crunchy Kale and Salad Snack products are at the center of a Los Angeles County Public Health Warning due to elevated thallium levels. Exposure to high levels of this lead-like heavy metal can pose significant health risks.
How was this problem discovered? How does Thallium end up in products like this? What happens if you consume thallium? What should you do if you begin experiencing symptoms?
Here’s what we know so far about thallium in Brad’s Plant Based snack products!
Thallium was discovered in Brad’s Plant Based products when an individual was being treated for elevated thallium levels. This investigation began back in January 2026 after the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health was notified.
The epidemiological investigation found some footing when samples of one of the foods consumed by the sick individual were obtained from retail grocery stores tested positive for thallium. Multiple product varieties were impacted.
Brad’s Plant Based has been notified of the situation. However, no voluntary recall has been announced.
So, for now, the Public Health Warning “is advising consumers to avoid certain Brad’s Plant Based Crunchy Kale and Salad Snack products,” and “retailers are advised to immediately remove these products from store shelves and discontinue sales to consumers.
The following products tested positive for elevated thallium levels:
These products are distributed by Snack Right Super Foods, Inc. as well as Brad’s Raw Chips, LLC. They are sold at major retailers in Los Angeles County and across the state of California.
According to the press release, these products are labeled as containing ingredients that are a “Product of Mexico” and distributed from Pennsylvania before being shipped to California. Public Health and the FDA are working with Pennsylvania state officials on this ongoing investigation.
Thallium is a naturally occurring metal found in the earth’s crust. It is generally released into the environment by burning and smelting coal or during the cement-making process. It is commonly used in products we use every day. From superconductors, low-melting glass, photoelectric cells, and even in radiation detection equipment. For a while it was even used as a pesticide to control insects and rodents. But its use for this purpose was banned in 1972.
Once in the environment, it can be absorbed by aquatic plants and fish or even on land if crops are grown in contaminated soil. Leafy greens in particular are known to easily absorb contaminants.
As “kale” appears to be a primary ingredient in the Brad’s Plant Based snack products testing positive, I suspect that ingredient will likely be the source. However, additional testing must be performed to be sure.
Exposure to high or consistent levels of thallium may cause serious health effects.
Some of the more common symptoms include:
Anyone who has experienced these symptoms after consuming Brad’s Plant Based snack products mentioned in the health alert should contact their health care provider right away and indicate their exposure to thallium.
In cases where companies refuse to initiate a voluntary recall after evidence proves their product is adulterated (contains something that can cause harm), the FDA has some enforcement options up their sleeve.
The first has been performed already. A Public Health Alert has been issued. If no press release is made by the company, the FDA will make one of their own.
At this point they cannot make retailers remove products from their shelves and there is no specific information on how returning product will be handled. But what retailer wants to keep a product on their shelf that will make people sick.
Unfortunately, this is just a press statement. Unlike a recall, there is no way to notify sellers directly of the situation. Consumers are at the mercy of the news cycle and a diligent manager at the stores where the product is being sold.
The next step would be an FDA Public Health Alert. Just like the local Public Health Alert, this looks like a press release. It does not force a recall. However, it garners more national attention. This is one of the first steps in the FDA’s arsenal. Next is an FDA Warning Letter.
An FDA Warning Letter is a huge step. It requires action and comes with a ticking clock. Once the Warning Letter is issued a response for corrective action is requested. If sufficient action is not made, the FDA can issue an involuntary recall and even seize the production facility.
Seek medical attention right away if you begin experiencing symptoms of thallium poisoning after consuming Brad’s Plant Based snack products. Prompt treatment can make a big difference.
Get advice from a food poisoning lawyer. When most people think about food poisoning, bacterial contamination comes to mind. Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and the like. Heavy metal adulteration is also considered food poisoning.
There is an expectation that the food we purchase is safe to eat. Sometimes people get sick from mistakes in the production process. Sometimes an ingredient comes to a company adulterated. Either way, we expect that when the problem is brought to their attention, they do the right thing and take care of it.
Medical bills, lost work, and other burdens associated with food poisoning add up. Who is responsible for those expenses? For some, their life may be irrevocably altered.
If you have fallen sick with thallium poisoning from Brad’s Plant Based snack products, you may be eligible for compensation.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has helped many families with cases just like yours help hold accountable those responsible for foodborne illnesses.
Call (833) 330-3663 or submit your information on the online submission form for a free consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)