FDA Warns About Toxic Cookware: What You Need to Know
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about specific imported nonstick cookware potentially leaching dangerous levels of lead into food. The initial warning was issued on August 13, 2025, and updated on September 12, 2025, adding more affected products to the list. Consumers are advised to check their cookware and dispose of any impacted items.
Why the FDA Issued a Warning
The FDA is cautioning consumers and retailers against using and selling certain imported nonstick cookware after testing revealed that they leach lead into food during cooking. The cookware is typically made from aluminum, aluminum alloys (Hindalium and Hindolium), and brass. Lead exposure, even at low levels, is hazardous and can cause serious health problems, especially for infants and fetuses.
Symptoms of high lead exposure include headache, fatigue, stomach pain, and vomiting. The FDA encourages anyone with affected cookware to discard it immediately.
Identified Cookware Products
The FDA has identified the following products as potentially leaching lead:
| Brand/Product Name | Product Label | Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Kadai/Karahi Tiger White | RTM NO: 2608606 AN ISO 9001:2015 Certified Co. SARASWATI STRIPS PVT. LTD. INDIA | Mannan Supermarket in Jamaica, NY |
| Silver Horse | (7 6554273084 5 Aluminium Mathar Kadai 26) & (7 6554272863 7 Aluminium Milk Pan 4) | Patel Brothers in Schaumburg, IL |
| JK Vallabhdas | (Aluminium Kadai India Bazaar #3 2000000772) | Indiaco in Hoffman Estates, IL |
The FDA notes that this is not an exhaustive list and will continue to update it as new information becomes available. Retailers such as Mannan Supermarket, Patel Brothers, and Indiaco carried the affected items.
What to Do if You Have Affected Cookware
If you believe you have been exposed to cookware on the FDA's list, it is recommended to contact your healthcare provider. You should discard any identified products immediately.
Safe Alternatives: Nonstick Cookware Brands to Consider
Consider these brands that explicitly state their products are made of nontoxic materials and are free of lead, cadmium, PFAS ("forever chemicals"), PTFE, and PFOA.
Caraway 10.5-inch Fry Pan
The Caraway 10.5-inch fry pan is made of nontoxic chemicals with a ceramic coating, making it nonstick. It's compatible with all cooktops. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin recommends this product for its ease of cleaning and care.
“I use Caraway cookware almost daily and have never had an issue with anything sticking to it,” says Zoe Malin. “I use it to make eggs, sautéed vegetables, fish and pancakes.”
Our Place Perfect Pot
This nonstick 5.5-quart Dutch oven is ideal for cooking soups, boiling pasta, and more. It’s oven and broiler safe, and features a self-basting lid. Malin also loves how quickly and evenly it heats up.
Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Cookware Set
This set includes 8-, 9.5- and 11-inch frying pans. They’re made of stainless steel with a ceramic scratch-resistant, nonstick coating and are oven and broiler safe. They are also dishwasher safe.
The Risks of Lead Exposure
The FDA prohibits the use of lead in food-related products, including cookware. Even low levels of lead exposure can lead to serious health problems, such as fatigue, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, and neurological changes.
Exposure is particularly dangerous to developing fetuses and children, potentially causing learning difficulties, low IQ, and behavioral changes. Elevated levels of lead in their blood can permanently impact babies and children, even without obvious symptoms.
