The FDA’s been busy updating its recall list for cookware that’s leaching lead into food, and honestly, it’s gotten pretty extensive. What started as a handful of products back in August has now grown to 19 different items that you need to toss immediately. And I mean immediately – don’t donate them, don’t try to fix them, just throw them out. The agency’s testing found that these pots and pans release dangerous levels of lead when you’re cooking, which makes food unsafe to eat. Most of these products came from India and they’re made from aluminum, aluminum alloys, or brass.
Why lead contamination is so dangerous
Here’s the thing about lead – there’s basically no safe amount of exposure. Even small levels can build up in your body over time and cause serious health problems. The CDC says lead poisoning can trigger stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, memory issues, and numbness in your hands or feet. But kids are at the highest risk because lead damages the brain and nervous system. And it interferes with normal growth too.
Pregnant women and anyone who’s breastfeeding face additional concerns, according to the FDA’s warning. If you’re worried about potential exposure, you should talk to your doctor right away. It’s not something to mess around with.
The original products on the recall list
Back in August, the FDA first raised concerns about certain imported cookware items. The initial list included products from brands like Tiger White kadai, Silver Horse aluminum items, and JK Vallabhdas aluminum kadai. These were found in stores across California, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C. But the agency hasn’t confirmed whether they were sold in other states too.
After trying these products, the FDA and its state partners conducted testing that showed the cookware leached lead into food at levels that made it unsafe. The products included kadais (which are wide pans), degdas, and topes (both types of pots). Most came from retailers like Patel Brothers, Indian Supermarket, and various specialty food stores.
Nine new brands added to the warning
The FDA just expanded the list again in late November, adding nine more cookware products that failed safety testing. This brings the total to 19 items. And the agency’s monitoring is ongoing, so more products might be added in the future. Basically, you need to keep checking back if you shop at specialty food stores that carry imported cookware.
The newly added items include Sonex aluminum pots, IKM aluminum saucepans, brass pots from Kraftwares, and several Silver Horse products like aluminum calderos and degdas. There’s also a Chef milk pan and products from Royal Kitchen cookware. I mean, it’s a pretty extensive list at this point. The expanded recall shows just how widespread this problem is.
Where these products were sold
Most of the recalled cookware showed up in specialty grocery stores and supermarkets that cater to South Asian communities. Places like India Metro Hypermarket in Fremont, California, Punjab Supermarket in Rosedale, Maryland, and Subzi Bazaar in New Jersey all carried these items. But other retailers were affected too – some products turned up at Santos Agency in California and Best Kitchen Supply in Washington, D.C.
The last time I checked, the FDA still wasn’t sure if these products made it to other states beyond the six they’ve confirmed. Which is kind of concerning, right? How many people might have bought this cookware without knowing? It’s pretty much impossible to tell at this point.
What you should do if you own any of this cookware
Don’t use these products anymore. Period. The FDA’s super clear about this – you shouldn’t cook with them, donate them, or try to refurbish them. Just throw them away. I’ve noticed some people think they can clean or repair contaminated cookware, but that doesn’t work with lead leaching. The problem is in the metal itself, not just on the surface.
And if you’ve been using any of these pots or pans regularly, it’s worth talking to your doctor about getting tested for lead exposure. At least that way you’ll know if there’s been any buildup in your system. The symptoms aren’t always obvious, especially in kids who might just seem a little off without clear signs of poisoning.
The complete list of recalled items
Sonex aluminum pot from Alanwar Food Corp sold some of the affected cookware. IKM and JSM Foods had aluminum saucepans that failed testing. Kraftwares from India made both brass topes and aluminum kadais that are on the list. The Silver Horse brand shows up multiple times – they made aluminum calderos, degdas in different sizes, kadais, and milk pans that all tested positive for lead leaching.
There’s also a Chef brand milk pan distributed by Shata Traders, an aluminum hammered kadai from Indian Cookware & Appliance, and a brass pot sold at Santos Agency. Dolphin brand made aluminum saucepans that are recalled. Town Food Service Equipment had 2-quart and 3-quart aluminum saucepans from Pakistan. Royal Kitchen cookware’s milk pan size 3 is on there too. And finally, there’s the Tiger White kadai and JK Vallabhdas aluminum kadai from Grain Market. Honestly, that’s a lot of products.
Why this keeps happening with imported cookware
The FDA notes that retailers are responsible for making sure cookware sold in the U.S. is safe and complies with all regulations. But imported products don’t always go through the same testing that domestic cookware does. And some manufacturers in other countries use metals or alloys that contain lead, either because their safety standards are different or because they’re using cheaper materials.
These aluminum alloys – sometimes called Hindalium, Hindolium, Indalium, or Indolium – are commonly used in South Asian cookware. They’re popular because they conduct heat well and they’re affordable. But they can contain lead that leaches out when the metal gets hot. Does anyone actually test these products before putting them on store shelves? Apparently not consistently enough.
What happens next with testing and monitoring
The FDA says its testing and monitoring efforts are ongoing. More products will probably be added to the recall list as they continue sampling cookware from specialty retailers. The agency’s working with state partners to identify potentially dangerous items before they end up in people’s kitchens. Though obviously some of these products have already been sold and used for cooking, which is the concerning part.
You can check the FDA’s website for updates to the recall list. They’re updating it as new information comes in. And if you shop at stores that carry imported cookware, it’s worth checking back regularly to make sure nothing you own has been added. Better safe than sorry when it comes to lead exposure.
