Cookware Check: FDA Flags 19 Items That Might Be Harmful
The FDA has issued a warning about 19 types of cookware that might contain lead. These items could potentially transfer the toxic metal into food. The agency advises people to check their kitchens and dispose of any matching products.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Lead exposure can cause serious health issues, including:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Memory loss
Children, women of childbearing age, and breastfeeding mothers are particularly vulnerable. Lead can harm children's brain development and slow their growth.
Origin and Testing
All the suspect cookware is made outside the U.S., mostly in India. They are made from aluminum, aluminum alloys, and brass. The FDA and state agencies tested these materials. The results showed that they can leach lead into food.
Updated Warning
The FDA initially warned about these products in August. Now, they have added nine more items to the list. The agency advises against donating or refurbishing these items. It's best to throw them away to avoid any risk.
Cookware Items to Watch Out For
Here are the cookware items to watch out for:
- Sonex aluminum pot
- IKM aluminum saucepan, size 2 with a 9" wooden handle
- IKM 4-quarter pital brass pot
- Brass tope
- Aluminum kadai size 5
- Silver Horse aluminum caldero 28
- Silver Horse aluminum degda 24
- Silver Horse aluminum degda 20
- Silver Horse kadai 26
- Silver Horse aluminum milk pan 4
- Chef Milk pan, 24 centimeters
- Aluminum hammered kadai, size 7
- Brass pot (sold at Santos Agency)
- Dolphin brand aluminum saucepan
- 2-quart aluminum saucepan
- 3-quart aluminum saucepan
- Royal Kitchen cookware, milk pan size 3
- Tiger White kadai
- JK Vallabhdas aluminum kadai
Specific Cookware Types
Some of these items are specific to South Asian cooking:
- Kadai: A wide pan
- Degda: A pot for rice
- Tope: Another type of pot
