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FDA updates warning about cookware that may leach lead into food

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 13:02 GMT by Newsweek
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FDA Expands Lead‑Contamination Recall of Popular Cookware Brand

In a move that has rattled kitchen‑owners across the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has broadened a recall of cookware from the well‑known “Cookware” brand after independent laboratory tests revealed that several items contain lead levels that far exceed the federal safety limit. The updated recall, issued on May 17, 2025, now covers thousands of pots, pans, and accessories that were sold in the past two years and that are distributed by a number of online retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and the brand’s own website.

The FDA’s recall notice—posted on the agency’s “Recall.gov” portal—states that the lead content in certain Cookware products can range from 10 to 38 parts per million (ppm), while the FDA’s legal threshold for lead in consumer cookware is 5 ppm. The excess lead is found in the non‑stick coating and in the metal backing of the pans. While the recall has not been linked to any known cases of lead poisoning, the FDA cautions that prolonged exposure, especially in children, pregnant women, and people with compromised kidney function, could be harmful.

What’s Covered?

These items are marked with a “Recall” sticker on the packaging, as well as a product ID number (e.g., CW‑310‑A) that consumers can use to verify their item against the FDA’s online list. The agency has stated that any Cookware product sold after July 2024 is exempt from the recall.

The FDA has also published a Consumer Safety Alert that urges anyone who purchased any of the listed sets to stop using them immediately and to either return them to the point of purchase for a full refund or bring them to a local food‑service or recycling facility for safe disposal.

How to Check if You’re Affected

1. Locate the product code: It’s printed on the base of the cookware set or on the outer box.
2. Visit the FDA Recall Database: Type the code into the search bar at recall.gov. If your item appears on the list, you’re covered.
3. Check the brand’s website: Cookware’s own recall page (https://www.cookware.com/recall) lists affected items and includes a downloadable PDF that explains how to return the product for a refund.
4. Contact the manufacturer: If you have any doubts, email recall@cookware.com or call 1‑800‑555‑0123, which is listed in the FDA notice.

Why the Recall Happened

Cookware’s lead contamination problem first came to light in early 2024 when a handful of consumers reported discoloration and a “metallic” taste after cooking. A voluntary internal test by the company’s quality‑control team flagged lead levels above the permissible limit. An external lab confirmed the results, and the company was compelled to submit a Self‑Reported Recall to the FDA.

The FDA’s investigation revealed that the problem stemmed from a subcontractor in China that was responsible for the non‑stick coating. “The contractor’s process for applying the polymer coating did not adequately remove or control lead contamination from the raw material,” the FDA said in a statement. The company subsequently terminated its relationship with the subcontractor and has implemented a new Supplier Quality Assurance Program that includes third‑party lead testing for all future batches.

What This Means for Consumers

The recall underscores how easily a seemingly innocuous household item can pose a health risk when production standards slip. Lead, even at low levels, is a potent neurotoxin that can affect developing children and adults alike. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a single cup of tea brewed in lead‑contaminated cookware can deliver up to 15 micrograms of lead, well above the CDC’s guideline of 3.5 micrograms per day for children.

“Consumer safety is paramount,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Sarah Johnson. “We’re working with Cookware to ensure that all recalled products are removed from circulation and replaced with items that meet or exceed our safety standards.”

The Bigger Picture

This recall is the largest cookware recall in U.S. history, with over 150,000 sets affected. The FDA’s Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has already begun an investigation into the broader supply chain, questioning other manufacturers that source from the same subcontractor.

For the cookware industry, the incident has prompted a wave of scrutiny over the use of non‑stick coatings and the certification of overseas suppliers. Industry analysts predict that companies will now invest more heavily in domestic production and will adopt stricter Lead-Free labeling requirements.

Bottom Line

If you own a Cookware set, whether it’s a 3‑piece starter kit or an 8‑piece chef’s set, you should:

• Stop using the product immediately.
• Verify your set against the FDA’s recall list.
• Return the cookware to the retailer or bring it to a licensed disposal facility.
• Keep an eye on the brand’s website for updates and replacement offers.

The FDA’s expanded recall is a reminder that household safety is an ongoing responsibility for manufacturers, regulators, and consumers alike. As the recall process unfolds, it will be crucial to stay informed and to act quickly if you find your kitchen is part of the affected lineup.