On October 15, 2025, the FDA added six cookware items to a growing list of products to avoid over concerns about lead exposure. The list, published as an addendum to an FDA warning in August, is a must-read if you’ve purchased imported cookware from retailers across four U.S. states and Washington, D.C. The FDA warns that these products may leach “significant levels of lead” into food when used. The FDA recommends disposal of these items immediately rather than donation, as lead isn’t safe for anyone to consume in any amount. More items will be added to the list as new results come to light.
The following items were added on October 15, 2025:
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Aluminum hammered kadai/karahi size 7 — sold at Indian Supermarket in Sacramento, California
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Brass pot — sold at Santos Agency, Inc. in San Leandro, California
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Dolphin Brand aluminum saucepan — sold at Al Monsoor Video Inc. / DBA Diya Handicrafts in Chicago, Illinois
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Town Food Service Equipment Co. 2-quart aluminum saucepan — sold at Best Kitchen Supply in Washington, D.C.
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Town Food Service Equipment Co. 3-quart aluminum saucepan — sold at Best Kitchen Supply in Washington, D.C.
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Royal Kitchen Cookware milk pan size 3 — sold at Subzi Bazaar in Rochelle Park, New Jersey
The items below were added on September 12, 2025:
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Tiger White kadai/karahi (pure aluminum utensils RTM NO: 2608606) — sold at Mannan Supermarket in Jamaica, New York
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Silver Horse aluminum mathar kadai 26 (7 6554273084 5) — sold at Patel Brothers in Schaumburg, Illinois
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Silver Horse aluminum milk pan 4 (7 6554272863 7) — sold at Patel Brothers in Schaumburg, Illinois
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JK Vallabhdas aluminum kadai (India Bazaar #3 2000000772) — sold at INDIACO in Hoffman Estates, Illinois
The FDA is in the process of notifying the distributors of five of the six products added in October. For the Dolphin Brand aluminum saucepan the FDA has notified the retail locations.
As for the original products in the list — recalls were initiated on September 18 at Patel Brothers for the two Silver Horse products. The FDA has notified the manufacturer of the Tiger White kadai/karahi, and the product has been removed from its website. The FDA has also notified the distributor of the JK Vallabhdas aluminum kadai.
Keeping lead and other dangerous items out of the home
Consumer Reports has identified a number of problematic products over the last few years. Its food safety scientists found troubling concentrations of lead in 12 cinnamon and spice blends, for instance. And famously, its report on lead in Lunchables led to a request to remove the snack packs from the National School Lunch Program. According to the CDC, children under six years old are especially at risk of health problems if they are exposed to lead. This can lead to nervous system and brain damage, affecting growth and development.
If you’re concerned that you may have lead products in your home, home-testing kits are available to purchase online. Alternatively, the CDC recommends sending the items to a certified lab for testing.
To ensure the utmost safety for your household, stay apprised of the latest recalls by following the Consumer Product Safety Commission at CPSC.gov or by calling 800-638-2772. Remember smart tips for thrifting cookware, particularly when it comes to the right materials — cast iron is a good budget find, but avoid used nonstick cookware, as old coatings can flake off into food.
