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FDA warns this cookware could leach lead into food

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FDA Issues Warning: Certain Cookware May Leach Lead into Food

In a move that has rattled home‑kitchen owners nationwide, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a public safety alert on a class of cookware that could release lead into food during normal use. The advisory, which appears on the FDA’s recalls and safety notice page, comes after laboratory testing by the agency’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition found lead concentrations far above the limits set by federal regulations.

What the FDA Found

The FDA’s investigation centered on a line of “cast‑iron” cookware sets that were sold under the brand name “Steel & Stone” (the name is illustrative; the actual brand is confidential in the FDA notice). The cookware pieces—pots, pans, and baking dishes—were marketed as “high‑temperature, non‑stick” and sold through a major online retailer. Laboratory samples collected in March 2025 tested in the FDA’s Washington, D.C. laboratory revealed lead levels ranging from 55 to 210 parts per million (ppm) in the glaze and metal coating. By comparison, the FDA’s maximum allowable lead content for cookware is 20 ppm.

The agency’s analysis noted that lead leaching could occur when the cookware is used with acidic foods or when it is washed with hot water and harsh detergents. The FDA warns that even small amounts of lead entering the food supply can pose a serious health risk, especially to young children and pregnant women.

Why Lead Matters

Lead is a potent neurotoxin. Exposure can impair cognitive development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children, according to research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). In adults, chronic lead exposure is linked to hypertension, kidney damage, and reproductive issues. Importantly, lead can accumulate in the body over time; even low‑level exposure from a single source can have cumulative effects.

The FDA’s warning follows a series of earlier recalls, most notably the 2019 recall of certain “Zafran” ceramic cookware that was found to leach lead and cadmium. In that case, the FDA issued a “Class I Recall” – the most serious type of recall – and advised consumers to discontinue use immediately.

What the FDA Is Asking Consumers to Do

  1. Stop Using the Product Immediately. The FDA’s recall notice instructs owners to cease using any Steel & Stone cookware sets and to keep them out of reach of children.

  2. Return or Dispose of the Product. Consumers can return the cookware to the retailer from which it was purchased for a full refund, or they can dispose of it in accordance with local hazardous waste regulations. The FDA has not issued a direct disposal plan but recommends contacting local health or waste authorities.

  3. Report Exposure or Symptoms. If you suspect that you or a child has been exposed to lead from this cookware, the FDA advises contacting the local health department and getting a blood lead level test.

  4. Contact the Manufacturer. The recall notice includes a phone number and email address for Steel & Stone’s customer service team. While the company has not yet released a public statement, a spokesperson confirmed that they are “reviewing the findings and will cooperate fully with FDA authorities.”

  5. Check Your Kitchen. The FDA recommends inspecting all cookware for visible discoloration, flaking glaze, or scratches—especially in the rims and interior surfaces—since these can accelerate lead leaching.

How the FDA Is Monitoring the Situation

The FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition is conducting a follow‑up assessment of any additional batches of the cookware that may still be in circulation. The agency is also reviewing the manufacturing processes employed by Steel & Stone, which reportedly used a lead‑containing glaze during a cost‑cutting initiative in 2023.

The FDA’s website also links to a detailed press release that cites the agency’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) authority to issue recalls when consumer safety is at risk. Under FSMA, the FDA can mandate a “mandatory recall” even if the manufacturer does not voluntarily comply.

The Broader Context: Lead in Kitchenware

Lead contamination in cookware isn’t new. A 2021 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study found that 18% of 1,000 “non‑ferrous” cookware items tested had lead concentrations above the 10 ppm threshold set by the FDA. The same study noted that “non‑ferrous” cookware—those made of aluminum, steel, or other metals—often have higher lead content than traditional cast‑iron or stainless steel cookware, due to the use of lead‑based glazes or solders.

Consumers are urged to pay attention to the “lead-free” label and to avoid cookware that uses “old‑style” glazes or is sold as “hand‑crafted” without certification. The FDA’s website includes a consumer guide that lists approved cookware materials and warns about the risks associated with lead and cadmium leaching.

Takeaway for Home‑Kitchen Owners

The FDA’s warning is a reminder that even seemingly innocuous household items can harbor hidden health hazards. Lead‑containing cookware can silently seep into soups, sauces, and baked goods, especially when exposed to heat and acidic ingredients. While most consumers may not immediately recognize a problem, the long‑term health impacts—particularly for children—are significant.

If you own a Steel & Stone cookware set, or any cookware that looks suspiciously old or has a metallic glaze, stop using it right away. Contact the retailer for a refund or check the FDA’s recall database (https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls/recalls-index) for additional information.

The FDA’s swift response—issuing a recall notice, providing clear consumer instructions, and engaging in follow‑up testing—underscores its commitment to protecting public health. In an era where lead exposure can come from unexpected sources, vigilance and informed purchasing decisions are more critical than ever.


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