The FDA is warning you not to use this cookware—it could be poisoning your food with lead

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

The FDA issued an alert on Wednesday after tests showed some types of imported cookware made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys (known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium) leached lead into food when used for cooking, making food unsafe. Here’s what to know.

Why is this a concern?

Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. Consuming food with elevated lead levels can contribute to elevated levels of lead in the blood. Young children, women of child-bearing age, and those who are breastfeeding may be at higher risk for potential adverse events after eating food cooked using these products. 

There is no safe level of exposure to lead—even low levels can cause serious health problems, particularly in children and fetuses, according to the FDA. Babies and kids are more susceptible to lead toxicity due to their smaller body size, metabolism, and rapid growth.

At low levels, children may not have obvious symptoms but can still experience trouble learning, low IQ, and behavior changes. At higher levels of lead exposure, people may experience fatigue, headache, stomach pain, vomiting or neurologic changes.

Which cookware is included in the warning?

The warning was issued for Indian aluminum cookware company, Saraswati Strips Pvt. Ltd, which sells the cookware under the brand name Tiger White. The FDA noted, however, it was “could not identify and contact the distributor” to initiate a recall, so the products may still be on retail store shelves.

The recalled product is as follows:

• Brand and Product Name: PURE ALLUMINIUM UTENSILS TM TIGER WHITE RTM NO: 2608606 AN ISO 9001:2015 Certified Co. SARASWATI STRIPS PVT. LTD. INDIA
• Retailer: Mannan Supermarket, 166-11 Hillside Ave. 1st  FL, Jamaica, NY
• Manufacturer: SARASWATI STRIPS PVT. LTD. 
• Recall Status: FDA was unable to identify the distributor responsible for effectuating a recall

The investigation is ongoing and the FDA is actively working to remove the cookware; and will determine if additional products are affected.

FDA recommendations

Consumers should 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 health care 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 ermail ay [email protected].