Throw Away Your Old Pots NOW — FDA Issues Chilling Lead Warning Over Dozens of Imported Cooking Pans

A sweeping new safety alert from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sparked nationwide concern after federal testing found that 19 types of imported pots and pans may leach unsafe levels of lead into food.

The announcement, published in a consumer advisory on the FDA's website, urges households to discard the cookware immediately and warns retailers to halt sales until further notice.

The affected items — many made from aluminium alloys or brass and sold widely in ethnic markets — failed laboratory simulations mimicking everyday cooking.

For millions of families, especially those who regularly prepare acidic foods, the alert is a stark reminder that dangerous contaminants can hide in everyday kitchen tools.

What's on the list — and where they were sold

According to the FDA's advisory, the flagged cookware includes pots, pans and traditional South Asian vessels such as kadais and degdas sold under brands including Silver Horse, JK Vallabhdas, Sonex Cookware, and Dolphin Brand.

According to the FDA summary, the cookware was sold through various retailers and ethnic-food stores across states, including California, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and in Washington, D.C.

The complete list is published on the FDA website, but officials warn that additional items may be added as the agency continues testing.

'This cookware should not be used, donated or refurbished,' the FDA stated. 'Consumers should check their kitchens and discard any items matching the listed products.'

However, the agency cautioned that the list may not be exhaustive, and additional items may be added as testing continues.

Why Lead in Cookware Is So Dangerous

Lead is a toxic heavy metal with no safe level of exposure, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Even small amounts absorbed over time can affect nearly every organ system.

Symptoms of chronic lead exposure include:

• Abdominal pain and vomiting
• Memory and concentration problems
• Appetite loss
• Nerve dysfunction, such as tingling or numbness

Children face the most significant risk. Lead interferes with brain development, potentially causing lifelong impacts on intelligence, behaviour, and growth.

The FDA notes the heightened vulnerability of infants, children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding individuals explicitly.

Because lead leaches more readily when cooking acidic foods — such as tomatoes, vinegar-based dishes or citrus marinades — households may unknowingly ingest elevated amounts simply through daily use.

What Consumers Should Do Now

The FDA strongly advises consumers to:

• Immediately discard any cookware on the alert list
• Avoid donating the cookware, as it could continue to pose risks
• Consult a healthcare provider if ongoing exposure is suspected
• Request blood-lead testing, particularly for young children or pregnant individuals

Retailers and importers have been told to stop selling affected items and to verify that their cookware meets federal lead-leaching standards before restocking.

Why Many Households May Still Be Unaware

Consumer-safety experts note that many families purchase cookware from local ethnic markets, discount stores, flea markets or unlabelled imports, where regulatory oversight is inconsistent.

These items often lack brand recognition or safety certifications, making it challenging to identify potential hazards. Because lead exposure accumulates slowly, its effects may go unnoticed until symptoms appear.

In short, people may be at risk without realising it —especially if the cookware looks new, shiny, or 'traditional' but contains untreated alloys.

Safer Cookware Alternatives

Experts recommend choosing:

• Stainless steel
• Cast iron
• Tempered glass
• Certified lead-free ceramic

Some products marketed as 'aluminium-based ceramic' or 'non-stick' may still contain hidden contaminants, so consumers should check for verified safety labels or FDA-compliant certifications.

The FDA's message is unequivocal: check your kitchen now. If you own any cookware on the list — or cookware of uncertain origin — dispose of it promptly.

Cooking should protect your family, not expose them to invisible toxins.