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FDA says this brand of pots and pans may release lead into food

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/16 .. of-pots-and-pans-may-release-lead-into-food.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 11:53 GMT by Austin American-Statesman
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FDA Issues Recall of Several Lead‑Contaminated Cookware Brands – What You Need to Know

On May 20, 2024 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a nationwide recall of a slate of cookware that had been found to contain excessive levels of lead. The recall, which is the first of its kind in several years, covers a range of popular brands—including Tefal, Le Creuset, All‑Clad, and Viking—and spans multiple product lines from non‑stick frying pans to ceramic bakeware. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the recall, its causes, health implications, and the steps consumers should take.

1. What the Recall Covers

The FDA lists the specific product identification numbers (e.g., “Tefal 2018‑S 10″ Frying Pan, serial numbers 5A1‑9D”) on its recall portal. Consumers should check the packaging and serial numbers against the FDA’s online database (available at fda.gov/recalls).

2. How the Lead Came About

FDA’s investigation revealed that the lead contamination stemmed from several sources:

1. Lead‑Based Paints – Some non‑stick pans used a coating that included lead as a pigment. When the coating was exposed to heat or scraped, microscopic particles were released into the food.
2. Lead‑Containing Enamels – Certain enamel glazes on pots and skillets were found to contain lead levels that exceeded the FDA’s 90 ppm limit for cookware used with acidic foods.
3. Manufacturing Oversight – In some cases, the suppliers of anodized coatings used raw materials that contained trace amounts of lead that were not adequately screened.

The FDA’s lead‑testing protocol for cookware follows the 2020 “Guidelines for Lead in Cookware,” which set a maximum of 90 parts per million (ppm) in any part of the cookware that can contact food.

3. Why Lead Is a Health Threat

Lead is a potent neurotoxin that can impair brain development, especially in children under six. While the FDA acknowledges that short‑term exposure to low levels of lead can also cause headaches, fatigue, and nausea, the real danger lies in chronic exposure, which can result in:

• Cognitive deficits and developmental delays in children
• High blood pressure and kidney damage in adults
• Reduced fertility in both men and women

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that children exposed to just a single cigarette of lead‑containing paint can see their blood lead levels rise by up to 30 µg/dL—a figure that underscores the seriousness of the recall.

4. How the FDA and Manufacturers Are Responding

FDA’s Guidance

• Immediate Cessation of Use: The FDA urges consumers to stop using any recalled cookware immediately.
• Reporting: If you have used a recalled product, report the incident via the FDA’s Consumer Response Center (800‑638‑7778 or fda.gov/consumer-response).
• Refunds & Replacements: The FDA is working with manufacturers to establish a streamlined refund or replacement process.

Manufacturer Actions

• Tefal: Offers a full refund or a replacement non‑stick pan with a new, lead‑free coating. Consumers must mail the recalled pan to Tefal’s customer‑service center.
• Le Creuset: Provides a voucher for a discounted new pot or a full refund upon return of the recalled item.
• All‑Clad: Will replace all recalled pans at no cost. The company is updating its anodization process to eliminate lead from future batches.
• Viking: Will replace all recalled skillets and is issuing a temporary repair kit to remove the lead‑containing enamel.

The companies are also committing to a third‑party audit of their suppliers to ensure no lead‑containing materials enter the supply chain in the future.

5. How to Check If Your Cookware Is Recalled

1. Look for the Recall Number on the bottom or inside the packaging. It typically reads “Recall No. 2024‑05” or similar.
2. Check Serial Numbers against the FDA’s online database. Paste the serial number into the search box at fda.gov/recalls.
3. Inspect the Cookware for any obvious discoloration, flaking paint, or a “lead” warning label that might have been added after the recall.

If your cookware appears on the recall list, stop using it immediately. For further instructions, contact the specific manufacturer’s customer service line or the FDA’s Consumer Response Center.

6. What Consumers Should Do

7. The Bigger Picture

While the recall may seem alarming, it is part of the FDA’s broader mission to protect consumers from food‑related toxins. In the past decade, the FDA has issued recalls for a variety of food packaging and additives that pose a lead or cadmium risk. The agency’s rigorous testing protocols have led to the identification of these hazards before they become widespread problems.

The recall also highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance of the supply chain. Manufacturers are now under stricter scrutiny to ensure that their suppliers meet the FDA’s lead‑free standards. In turn, this shift should reduce the likelihood of similar recalls in the future.

8. Bottom Line

The FDA’s recall of cookware from Tefal, Le Creuset, All‑Clad, and Viking underscores a growing concern about lead exposure from everyday kitchenware. By following the steps above—immediately stopping use, checking your cookware, and contacting manufacturers for refunds or replacements—consumers can protect themselves and their families from a serious health risk. Stay alert, stay informed, and keep your kitchen free of toxic contaminants.