The Food and Drug Administration put out a warning on Wednesday stating that cookware products made from certain imported cookware could be leaching “significant levels of lead” into food. Those who have Kadai/Karahi Tiger White pure aluminum bowls manufactured by Saraswati Strips Pvt. Ltd., should stop using them, the FDA said.
Because the FDA could not get in contact with the manufacturer, there was no official recall issued, but the agency told retailers to pull the bowls from their shelves.
While the Kadai/Karahi Tiger White pure aluminum bowls were the only product listed in the FDA’s alert as of Saturday afternoon, the agency said other cookware products made from aluminum, brass and aluminum alloys known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium could also be leaching lead.
FDA officials previously put an alert in 2024 on cookware made by Rashko Baba Co. Ltd.,as it was also found to have aluminum, brass and Hindalium/Hindolium.
“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 said in a statement. “Even low levels of lead exposure can cause serious health problems, particularly in children and fetuses.”
Effects of lead poisoning
Signs of lead poisoning may not be present until “dangerous amounts” accumulate in someone’s body, the Mayo Clinic said. For adults,these symptoms can include headaches; high blood pressure; abdominal, joint and muscle pain; difficulties with memory or concentration and mood disorders.
Children are more at risk for lead toxicity because of their smaller size, metabolism and rapid growth, the FDA said. Those who are breastfeeding are also more vulnerable to adverse effects after lead exposure.
Like adults, the FDA said, children might not have obvious symptoms at first, but could still have trouble learning, low IQ and behavioral changes.
Anyone concerned about potential exposure are advised by the FDA to contact their health care provider.
