We are what we eat. And while this wisdom still holds true, in today’s world of adulteration, it’s not just the quality of ingredients that matters—the cookware you use is just as important. The material or metal they are made with often releases chemicals that can either boost the nutritional profile of the dish or leak in some chemicals that can cause life-threatening diseases. In August 2025, the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) had warned against using cookware manufactured by the Indian company Saraswati Strips Pvt. Ltd. after tests showed the products could leach dangerous levels of lead into food. recently released another list of products that may leach lead into food when used for cooking or food storage. As per the list, there are four Indian companies that are manufacturing products that have been recalled by FDA. Scroll down to read the details.




What’s the Problem?

As per the FDA website, they have warned retailers and consumers not to sell or use certain imported cookware that may leach significant levels of lead (Pb) into food. Some types of imported cookware products made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium have been tested by FDA and state partners, and have demonstrated the potential to leach lead under conditions designed to mimic their use in contact with food. Young children, women of child-bearing age, and those who are breastfeeding may be at higher risk for potential adverse events after eating food cooked using these products, the report reads.






Take a look at the details of the items under scrutiny as listed by




Brand and Product Name: IKM Aluminum Saucepan,(7023672411878 Aluminum Pan 2 Size Pouted Wooden Handle 9”)


Retailer: India Metro Hypermarket, 5130 Mowry Ave, Fremont, CA


Distributor: Lotus Mom Corporation dba Indian Kitchen Mart, 945 Berryessa Rd Unit 5

San Jose, CA,


Manufacturer: JSM Foods, New Delhi, India




Brand and Product Name: Brass Tope


Retailer: India Metro Hypermarket, 5130 Mowry Ave, Fremont, CA


Distributor: Lotus Mom Corporation dba Indian Kitchen Mart 945 Berryessa Rd Unit 5

San Jose, CA


Manufacturer: Kraftwares (India) Ltd. Mumbai, India




Brand and Product Name: Aluminum Kadai Size 5 – A cook brand


Retailer: India Metro Hypermarket, 5130 Mowry Ave, Fremont, CA


Distributor: Lotus Mom Corporation dba Indian Kitchen Mart 945 Berryessa Rd Unit 5

San Jose, CA


Manufacturer: Kraftwares (India) Ltd. Mumbai, India




Brand and Product Name: IKM 4-Quart Pital Brass Pot

(7023672414398 Brass Hammered Handi No 3)


Retailer: INDIA CASH AND CARRY, 39175 Farwell Dr, Fremont, CA


Distributor: Lotus Mom Corporation dba Indian Kitchen Mart 945 Berryessa Rd Unit 5

San Jose, CA


Manufacturer: JSM Foods, New Delhi, India







What happens when you consume lead ?

The agency has mentioned that lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of all age groups and there is no known safe level of exposure to lead. Even low levels of lead exposure can cause serious health problems, particularly in children and foetuses, states the agency.



According to USFDA, consuming food with too much lead can raise the amount of lead in the blood and is very risky for babies and children. It can cause learning problems, low IQ, or behaviour issues. It is also highlighted that children and babies are more susceptible to lead toxicity due to their smaller body size, metabolism, and rapid growth. At higher levels of lead exposure, people may experience fatigue, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, or neurologic changes.








What is the USFDA advice?

As per the website, 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. It also suggests not to donate or refurbish such cookware. Also, consumers who have concerns about lead exposure or elevated levels of lead should contact their health care provider. For retailers and distributors, it suggests that they should be responsible for ensuring cookware sold and/or distributed for use in contact with food are safe for their intended use and comply with all FDA regulations.



Images Courtesy: istock

Disclaimer: The information and data provided in the article are sourced from the USFDA website.