Health News Today, Nov 6: Kale Recall, Medicare, Measles

In health news today, federal regulators and medical researchers bring timely updates on pantry snacks, Medicare rules, infectious outbreaks, cancer treatment, and daily nutrition for U.S. adults over 45. Officials posted a nationwide kale chip recall over heavy metal contamination and cleared the first new targeted therapy in a decade for advanced head and neck cancer. Meanwhile, new data showed how Medicare's prior-authorization pilot affects back-pain care, Wisconsin confirmed its first measles death since 1990, and scientists unveiled a plant-forward food pyramid.

FDA Posts Brad's Kale Chips Recall Over Toxic Thallium Risk

Florida-based Snack Right Super Foods, Inc. (Brad's Raw Chips) has recalled roughly 25,000 bags of shelf-stable kale snacks nationwide over potential thallium contamination, according to an alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Affected items include 2-ounce Brad's Plant Based Crunchy Kale in Original (UPC 813104021679), Cheeze It Up (UPC 813104021877), and Radical Ranch (UPC 813104020726), plus 3-ounce Brad's Veggie Chips Kale (UPC 854615002054), dated December 21, 2026, through February 17, 2027. California inspectors found elevated thallium in store bags after testing a consumer; brassica greens like kale can absorb the heavy metal from soil. Coming right after yesterday's cinnamon lead alert, officials warn high thallium exposure can cause digestive illness, nerve damage, and hair loss.

What it means for you: Check your pantry for matching Brad's kale chip bags dated through February 17, 2027, and throw them away rather than returning them to stores. Call your doctor if you ate them and notice stomach distress, tingling hands or feet, or unexplained hair thinning.

Medicare Prior-Authorization Pilot Cuts Back Injections by 15%

Traditional Medicare's new six-year prior-authorization pilot drove an immediate drop in targeted procedures during its first six months, according to a JAMA research letter covered November 4 by the Brown University School of Public Health. Launched in January 2026 across Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington, the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) model requires advance approval for 41 selected services and encourages artificial intelligence tools to review requests. Analyzing Epic Cosmos records through mid-2026, Brown University and University of Minnesota researchers found epidural steroid injections for back pain fell 15% in pilot states versus national trends, while other targeted procedures dropped nearly 20%. Authors Dr. Michael Barnett and Hannah Neprash noted clinics adapted fast, though data cannot yet show whether skipped procedures cut waste or delayed helpful relief.

What it means for you: If you use traditional Medicare in a WISeR pilot state and need spine injections or outpatient care, ask your clinic early whether prior authorization applies so paperwork does not stall treatment. During Open Enrollment through December 7, ask your doctor or counselor how plan approval rules compare.

Wisconsin Reports First Measles Death Since 1990 Amid U.S. Surge

An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died from measles, marking Wisconsin's first measles fatality in 36 years and the third measles-related death reported by U.S. states this week after losses in New York and Pennsylvania, CNN Health reported November 5. Wisconsin has logged 431 measles cases across 13 counties in 2026—up from 36 in 2025—with nine hospitalizations, while state-reported deaths nationwide reached at least eight amid over 4,800 U.S. cases. State epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard noted kindergarten vaccination in Wisconsin sits near 85%, below the roughly 95% threshold needed to halt spread. Officials stressed that while two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shot are 97% protective, infants, pregnant people, and immunocompromised adults face severe pneumonia and brain swelling risks.

What it means for you: Before holiday travel or family gatherings in outbreak states, verify your shot records—especially if you were born in 1957 or later or received an inactivated measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether an immunity blood test or MMR dose fits your history.

FDA Clears Targeted Injection for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

Federal regulators granted accelerated approval on November 5 to Rybrevant Faspro (amivantamab and hyaluronidase-lpuj) for adults with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that progressed after platinum chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. Officials called it the first new drug cleared in 10 years for this group; it is not indicated for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer. In a 102-patient trial, 42% of participants saw tumors shrink or disappear—more than double standard therapy rates—and 56% of responders kept gains for at least six months. Prescribing warnings cover hypersensitivity reactions, lung inflammation (pneumonitis), skin and eye side effects, and fetal risk.

What it means for you: If you or a loved one faces recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after chemotherapy and immunotherapy, ask an oncologist whether tumor and HPV testing make this therapy appropriate. Adults over 45 should also ask a doctor or dentist to check any mouth sore, hoarseness, or neck lump lasting beyond two weeks.

New Global Food Pyramid Puts Plant Foods and Fiber Carbs First

Twenty-two nutrition scientists led by Brigham Young University professor Karen Della Corte unveiled the first international consensus food pyramid, placing high-fiber carbohydrates and plant foods first for chronic disease prevention, Healthline reported November 5. Synthesizing over 250 studies and dietary guidelines from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia, the International Carbohydrate Quality Consortium guide puts vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts, and unsaturated plant oils at the meal foundation while keeping room for fish, poultry, eggs, and yogurt. Dietitians noted the model contrasts with 2026 U.S. Dietary Guidelines emphasizing red meat, butter, and beef tallow, though both strongly discourage added sugars, refined carbs, and ultra-processed snacks.

What it means for you: Healthy aging meals do not require giving up fish, poultry, or yogurt—start by swapping white bread, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks for oats, lentils, berries, nuts, and olive oil. Ask your doctor or a registered dietitian before major diet changes if you manage diabetes, kidney disease, or cholesterol medications.

Related reading: Nov 7 flu surge and Medicare update.

Sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Snack Right Super Foods, Inc. dba Brad's Raw Chips Recalls Brad's Crunchy Kale & Veggie Chips Due to Potential Thallium Contamination

• Brown University School of Public Health: Medicare's prior-authorization pilot led to an immediate drop in use of services, study finds

• CNN Health: Wisconsin infant is US' third measles-related death this week

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to a New Treatment for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Healthline Health News: New Food Pyramid Puts Healthy Carbs and Plant-Based Foods First

This roundup is for general information only and is not medical advice.