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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent warning about certain nonstick cookware potentially leaching significant levels of lead into food. Initially announced on August 13, 2025, the FDA updated the warning on September 12, adding three more products to the list of affected items. The cookware in question is made from materials like Hindalium, Indalium, aluminum, and brass, which have been found to leach lead when used for cooking or food storage.
Exposure to lead is toxic and poses serious health risks, especially for young children, pregnant women, and those who are breastfeeding. Even low levels of lead exposure can lead to learning difficulties, low IQ, and behavioral changes in children, while higher levels may cause fatigue, headaches, and neurological issues.
The FDA's updated list includes brands such as Kadai/Karahi (Tiger White), Silver Horse, and JK Vallabhdas. These products are sold at retailers like Mannan Supermarket in New York and Patel Brothers in Illinois. The FDA advises consumers to discard any cookware that may leach lead and not to donate these items.
Retailers and distributors are responsible for ensuring that cookware sold for food use complies with FDA regulations. The FDA's ongoing investigation may result in further updates to the list of affected products.
For more information, consumers can visit the FDA website.