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Image: Krtola/Adobe Stock, Anastasiia Hevko/Adobe Stock
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has once again expanded its warning on certain brands of imported cookware, adding nine products that may leach significant levels of lead into food.
That list of cookware has grown significantly since the FDA issued its original alert, which was updated twice, after tests found certain brass and aluminum cookware (known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium) could be leaching lead into food when used for cooking or food storage, and making it unsafe to eat.
The FDA investigation remains ongoing, and the agency said it will update the list with additional products as needed.
Here’s what you need to know.
Yes. Lead is toxic for humans, and even low levels can cause serious health problems.
Children, women of childbearing age, and those who are breastfeeding could be at higher risk after eating food from cookware that leaches lead. Babies and kids are more susceptible to lead toxicity due to their smaller size, faster metabolism, and rapidly developing bodies, according to the FDA.
As Fast Company previously reported, the FDA’s original recall warning on August 13 was issued for Saraswati Strips Pvt. Ltd., an Indian aluminum cookware company that sells Tiger White brand cookware.
In September, three products were added to the list, including Silver Horse cookware distributed by Patel Brothers, and JK Vallabhdas products distributed by the Indian supermarket chain Indiaco.
Since then, the FDA has added nine products to the list.
Those product details are as follows:
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According to the FDA, consumers should check their homes for the cookware and throw it away. Do not donate or refurbish it.
Consumers who are concerned that they may have been exposed to lead or elevated levels of lead should contact their healthcare 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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer Mattson is a Contributing Writer at Fast Company, where she covers news trends and writes daily about business, technology, finance and the workplace.. She is a former network news producer for CNN, CNN International and a number of public radio programs.