Is Your Pot Part of the FDA’s Ongoing Lead-Leaching Cookware Recall?
The recall was first issued in August, and the agency has just added two new products to its list.
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Back in August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled several imported cookware products, warning consumers that they may each high levels of lead into food cooked or stored in them. Then, in September, the agency expanded the recall to include additional products, only to add to the list of recalled products yet again in October.
“Potentially affected products are not limited to this list,” the FDA warned. “Additional products will be added to this alert as needed.”
On November 24 and then again on December 3, the FDA made good on that promise, adding first nine and then two additional cookware products to its list of those that may leach lead.
Which two products were added to the recall list on December 3?
- 3B Cookware Aluminum Deg Style Patila #4, manufactured and distributed by Divine Groceries PVT Ltd., in Maharashtra Ludhiana, India, and sold at India's Fine Foods, Inc. in West Sacramento, California.
- Handmade Brass Tope – no brand, sold at Al Mansoor Video Inc DBA Diya Handicrafts in Chicago, Illinois.
Which nine products were added to the recall list on November 24?
- Sonex Aluminum Pot (ISO 9001:2000 5), manufactured and distributed by Sonex Cookware, in Gujranwala, Pakistan, and sold at Balady Foods (Alanwar Food Corp.) in Brooklyn, New York.
- IKM Aluminum Saucepan (7023672411878 Aluminum Pan 2 Size Pouted Wooden Handle 9”), manufactured by JSM Foods, in New Delhi, India; distributed by Lotus Mom Corporation dba Indian Kitchen Mart, in San Jose, California; and sold at India Metro Hypermarket in Fremont, California.
- Brass Tope, manufactured by Kraftwares (India) Ltd., in Mumbai, India; distributed by Lotus Mom Corporation dba Indian Kitchen Mart, in San Jose, California; and sold at India Metro Hypermarket in Fremont, California.
- Aluminum Kadai Size 5 – A cook brand, manufactured by Kraftwares (India) Ltd., in Mumbai, India; distributed by Lotus Mom Corporation dba Indian Kitchen Mart, in San Jose, California; and sold at India Metro Hypermarket in Fremont, California.
- IKM 4-Quart Pital Brass Pot (7023672414398 Brass Hammered Handi No 3), manufactured by JSM Foods, in New Delhi, India; distributed by Lotus Mom Corporation dba Indian Kitchen Mart, in San Jose, California; and sold at India Cash and Carry in Fremont, California.
- Silver Horse Aluminum Coldero 28, sold at Punjab Supermarket & Halal Meats in Rosedale, Maryland.
- Silver Horse Aluminum Degda 24, sold at Punjab Supermarket & Halal Meats in Rosedale, Maryland.
- Silver Horse Aluminum Degda 20, sold at Punjab Supermarket & Halal Meats in Rosedale, Maryland.
- Chef Milk Pan 24 cm (Milk Pan 24 cm MF 0732131905632), distributed by Shata Traders in Brooklyn, New York, and sold at Punjab Supermarket & Halal Meats in Rosedale, Maryland.
Which products were previously recalled?
You can find a table with a complete list of all the products subject to this recall here.
All the cookware on the list were tested by the FDA and determined to potentially leach lead into food.
Will more products be added to the recall list?
They may well be. “Other cookware products may also be affected,” the FDA says, adding that it will update the list of recalled items “with additional products as new information becomes available.”
Why have the products been recalled?
The FDA, which regularly monitors leachable levels of lead in cookware, has concluded, following testing, that these cookware products, including some “made from aluminum, brass and aluminum alloys known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium,” may leach “significant” amounts of lead into food.
Lead exposure, including through food contaminated with it, at any level is unsafe for people of all ages and any health status, but it is particularly dangerous to young children, babies and fetuses, as well as people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Even exposure to low levels of lead may cause children to experience difficulties learning, lower IQs and behavioral issues.
Adults exposed to lead at higher levels may cause people to experience symptoms including fatigue, headaches, stomach pain and vomiting, and neurological issues.
“There is no known safe level of exposure to lead,” the FDA warns.
What should you do if you have the recalled cookware?
Check your cabinets, and if you have any of the products on the FDA’s list of recalled cookware products, throw them away. Do not use them to cook or store food. Do not donate or “refurbish” them.
If you think you or someone you know has been exposed to lead via the cookware, you are urged to contact your health care provider.
If you have questions about the recall, email premarkt@fda.hhs.gov.
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