FDA Issues Warning as More Cookware Brands Found to Leach Lead

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said lead is harmful to people of all ages and health conditions, with no safe level of exposure.

Kelly McBride Ni

Published: 9/19/2025, 3:18:10 AM EDT

FDA Issues Warning as More Cookware Brands Found to Leach Lead — Some of the cookware tested by FDA. FDA’s analysis demonstrates that such products may leach lead into food. (FDA)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers and retailers that certain imported cookware may leach dangerous levels of lead into food, posing heightened risks for young children, pregnant women, and those who are breastfeeding after eating food cooked using this cookware.

In an update issued on Sept. 12, the FDA announced that three more aluminum cookware products were added to its ongoing list of items that tested positive for leaching lead, including products sold at Patel Brothers and Indiacos stores in Illinois. The alert comes as federal inspectors continue sampling cookware made from aluminum, brass, and alloys known as Hindalium or Indalium.

“Consumers should check their homes for the products listed below and throw away any cookware that may be able to leach lead into food when used for cooking or food storage,” the agency said in its public notice. “Do not donate or refurbish this cookware.”

The latest additions include Silver Horse-branded aluminum kadai and milk pans, distributed by Goyal Group Inc. and sold at Patel Brothers in Schaumburg, Illinois. Additionally, a JK Vallabhdas aluminum kadai is sold at IndiaCos’ Hoffman Estates, Illinois, location and distributed by Grain Market LLC of Dallas, Texas.

Another product, the “Kadai/Karahi Tiger White” pan manufactured by Saraswati Strips Pvt. Ltd. in India, has been linked to sales at Mannan Supermarket in Jamaica, New York City. The FDA stated that it was “unable to identify the distributor responsible for effectuating a recall,” warning that the product may still be available on store shelves.

'Lead is Toxic'

Lead is a potent neurotoxin that poses serious health risks, especially for children, young women, pregnant women, and breastfeeding moms.

“Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status, and there is no known safe level of exposure to lead,” the FDA stated. Even low levels of exposure can contribute to developmental delays, lower IQ, and behavioral issues in children.

Higher exposures can cause “fatigue, headache, stomach pain, vomiting or neurologic changes,” according to the agency.

The FDA urged consumers concerned about exposure to contact their health care providers. Retailers and distributors were also advised to stop selling the products and ensure that cookware marketed in the U.S. complies with safety regulations.

“Retailers should discontinue sale, and consumers should not use this product as cookware or food storage,” the agency said.

Federal regulators are expanding their testing and said that the list of unsafe cookware could grow as more products are sampled.

The full list of affected products, along with photos, is available on the FDA’s website, with updates expected as testing continues.