Lead Risk Alert: FDA Updates Imported Cookware Alert

On October 15, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its list of imported cookware products that may be leaching lead into food, which means harmful lead can seep out of the cookware and end up in what you eat. No recalls for the following products have been issued at this time, but consumers are advised to avoid purchasing the following products and check their kitchens for them: 

(RECALLED) 2 qt Aluminum Saucepan, Town Food Service Equipment Co. (Sold at Best Supply Kitchen in Washington, D.C.)

(RECALLED) 3 qt Aluminum Saucepan, Town Food Service Equipment Co. (Sold at Best Supply Kitchen in Washington, D.C.)

Milk Pan size 4, Royal Kitchen (Sold at Subzi Bazaar in Rochelle Park, NJ)

Aluminum Saucepan, Dolphin (Sold at Diya Handicrafts in Chicago, IL)

(RECALLED) Brass Pot, no brand (Sold at Santos Agency Inc. in San Leandro, CA)

(RECALLED) Aluminum Hammered Kadai size 7, no brand (Sold at Indian Supermarket in Sacramento, CA)

Images Source: FDA

Why Is This a Concern?

These cookware items are often used in various cultural cuisines. Certain imported cookware made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys (like Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium) can release lead during cooking or food storage, allowing this harmful metal to contaminate meals. Although these particular products were not sold in Nevada, imported cookware from low- and middle-income countries can still pose a significant risk of lead exposure. Studies have found that some aluminum cookware brought by refugee families from their home countries can leach dangerous levels of lead into food (1). 

Even small amounts of lead can be harmful, especially for children and pregnant people. Lead affects a child’s growth, learning, and overall development. Parents should take these next steps to leave lead behind. 

What Should You Do?

1. 1. Do not use these products to cook or store food. 
   2. Do not donate or refurbish these products.
   3. Use stainless steel or other safer alternatives whenever possible.
   4. Call your healthcare provider if you are concerned about potential lead exposure and ask about a blood lead level test.
   5. Sign up for our newsletter for the latest lead-related product recalls. 

Read the full FDA Cookware Alert here. 

Reference

1. Fellows KM, Samy S, Rodriguez Y, Whittaker SG. Investigating aluminum cookpots as a source of lead exposure in Afghan refugee children resettled in the United States. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2022;32(3):451-460. doi:10.1038/s41370-022-00431-y