Don’t use this cookware: FDA expands list of products that could be poisoning your food with lead

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded its warning to consumers and retailers not to use or sell certain imported cookware that may leach significant levels of lead into your food.

The list of cookware has grown from the FDA’s initial alert in August, issued after tests showed some types of imported cookware made from brass, aluminum, and aluminum alloys (known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium) had leached into food when used for cooking, making food unsafe. On Friday, three additional cookware products used for cooking or food storage were added to the list.

The FDA investigation remains ongoing as it continues to collect and sample cookware, and the agency said other products may also be affected. It will continue to update the public. Here’s what to know.

Why is lead dangerous?

As Fast Company previously reported back in August, lead is toxic for humans. Even low levels can cause serious health problems.

Certain groups, such as children, women of childbearing age, and those who are breastfeeding may be at higher risk after eating food from cookware leaching lead. Babies and kids are more susceptible to lead toxicity due to their smaller body size, metabolism, and rapid growth.

Which cookware is listed in the expanded warning?

The original August 13 recall warning was issued for Saraswati Strips Pvt. Ltd., an Indian aluminum cookware company that sells Tiger White brand cookware. Because the FDA could not “identify and contact the distributor or responsible party to facilitate a recall,” this product may still be sold in retail stores.

On Friday, September 12, three additional products were added to the list, including Silver Horse cookware distributed by Patel Brothers, and JK Vallabhdas products distributed by Indian supermarket chain INDIACO.

The original product warning details are as follows:

• Brand and product name: Pure Aluminium Utensils, Tiger White, RTM No. 2608606, an ISO 9001:2015 certified company
• Retailer: Mannan Supermarket, 166-11 Hillside Ave., 1st Floor, Jamaica, NY
• Manufacturer: Saraswati Strips Pvt. Ltd., India
• Recall status: The FDA was unable to identify the distributor responsible for effectuating a recall.

Here are the details for the three additional products:

• Brand and product name: Aluminium Mathar Kadai 26, Silver Horse, 7 6554273084 5
• Retailer: Patel Brothers, 830 W. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL
• Manufacturer: Goyal Group Inc., 179 Express St., Plainview, NY
• Recall status: Distributor notification in progress
• Brand and product name: Aluminium Milk Pan 4, Silver Horse, 7 6554272863 7
• Retailer: Patel Brothers, 830 W. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL
• Manufacturer: Goyal Group Inc., 179 Express St., Plainview, NY
• Recall status: Distributor notification in progress
• Brand and product name: Aluminium Kadai India Bazaar, JK Vallabhdas, #3 2000000772
• Retailer: INDIACO, 15 Golf Ctr., #17, Hoffman Estates, IL
• Manufacturer: Grain Market LLC, 12626 International Pkwy., Dallas, TX
• Recall status: Distributor notification in progress

FDA recommendations

Consumers should check their homes for the products and throw away the cookware. Do not donate or refurbish it.

Consumers who are concerned they may have been exposed to lead or elevated levels of lead should contact their healthcare provider.

Retailers and distributors are encouraged to consult with the FDA regarding the safety and regulatory status of any products used in contact with food that they market or distribute.

Additional questions can be sent to the FDA via email at premarkt@fda.hhs.gov.