FDA testing confirmed that the metals used in these pots and pans can release lead when heated or exposed to food, posing a serious public health risk….reports Asian Lite News
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning over 19 types of cookware—many manufactured in India—after tests found they could leach dangerous levels of lead into food. The alert, reported by CBS, urges consumers to immediately check their kitchenware and discard any of the listed items.
The flagged products, all manufactured outside the United States and predominantly in India, include aluminium, aluminium-alloy and brass cookware commonly sold through small retailers. According to CBS, FDA testing, alongside examinations by several state agencies, confirmed that the metals used in these pots and pans can release lead when heated or exposed to food, posing a serious public health risk.
The warning expands on a previous advisory issued in August, with the FDA adding nine new products to its list of utensils deemed unsafe due to the likelihood of lead exposure. Items on the list include saucepans, brass pots, kadai, milk pots, and other traditional cooking vessels.
Health authorities have stressed the severity of the hazard. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that lead poisoning can cause abdominal pain, nausea, appetite loss, vomiting, memory issues, and tingling in the hands or feet. Women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers face heightened risks, the FDA said.
The suspect utensils were found on sale in multiple states, including California, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C. Regulators have urged both retailers and distributors to contact the FDA for guidance on whether any of their products meet safety standards, and to ensure that unsafe cookware is removed from shelves without delay.
The FDA has also emphasised that consumers should treat the warning seriously, noting that even small amounts of lead exposure can accumulate in the body and cause lasting harm.
