Cookware that is likely still on shelves could be leaching lead into your food, the Food and Drug Administration said in an Aug. 13 warning.
The FDA became aware of the issue after testing pots made by an Indian manufacturer and finding that they were made with Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium, metal alloys that are made from aluminum, aluminum alloys and brass. These substances are common in some types of imported cookware, said the FDA, but are not used in the U.S. due to their tendency to leach lead into food cooked or stored within.
There is no known level of lead exposure that is considered safe and some people are at even higher risk of adverse effects, warned the agency, including young children, people of child-bearing age and people who are breastfeeding.
Here's what to know.
Which cookware is included in the warning?
The FDA identified the manufacturer, an Indian aluminum cookware company called Saraswati Strips Pvt. Ltd that sells products under the brand name Tiger White. However, it was unable to contact a distributor to initiate a recall, meaning the impacted products are not being pulled from shelves on a large scale.
Impacted products are Kadais/Karahis, or deep pots used for simmering and frying, with brand name Tiger White. The FDA tested two specific items at a Mannan Supermarket in Jamaica, New York, labeled "Pure Aluminium Utensils Tiger White RTM No: 2608606 An ISO 9001:2015 Certified Co. Saraswati Strips Pvt. Ltd. India."
However, the FDA warns that these are not the only potentially affected products and more could be added as the investigation continues.
What to do if you have an impacted product
Consumers should check their homes for any listed products or similar cookware and throw them away. They should not attempt to refurbish or repair the cookware.
If you are concerned about possible lead exposure, the FDA advises contacting your health care provider.
Retailers and distributors are responsible for ensuring the safety of cookware they sell, said the FDA, meaning those that may have the affected products on the market should use the FDA’s lead leach testing protocol for cookware or another testing method. They are also encouraged to consult with the FDA on the updated safety and regulatory status of food-related products.
Questions for the FDA related to this topic can be sent to [email protected].
What is the risk of lead exposure?
The FDA does not allow the use of lead in products related to food, including components of cookware and other food contact surfaces.
Lead is toxic to humans and can be ingested when a product like the cookware leaches it into items it comes into contact with. Even low levels of exposure are linked to serious health issues, including fatigue, headache, stomach pain, vomiting or neurologic changes, according to the FDA.
Exposure is especially dangerous to developing fetuses and children, potentially causing learning difficulties, low IQ and behavioral changes. Even when they don't show obvious symptoms, babies and children can be permanently impacted by elevated levels of lead in their blood, especially due to their smaller size and metabolism.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FDA warns about pots that may be leaching lead into food
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