WORRIED food experts have warned American consumers they are at increased risk of accidentally eating lead.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a growing list of cookware items that could be leaching the toxic metal into meals.
The FDA has warned of possible exposure to toxic metal, lead, after it discovered it in four cookware products imported from India[/caption]
One risky cooking item is this wok, branded Tiger White[/caption]
It is warning retailers and consumers not to sell or use certain imported cookware that may leach significant levels of lead (Pb) into food.
It follows testing of imported cookware products made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium.
Researchers found that such products leach lead into food when used for cooking, making food dangerous.
It is especially risky for several vulnerable groups: young children, women of child-bearing age, and women who are breastfeeding.
However, “lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status,” its warning added.
Developing fetuses, infants, and children are particularly vulnerable to the potential harmful effects from lead exposure.
This is because of their smaller body sizes, metabolism, and rapid growth.
As of September 12, the FDA had pinpointed four products that pose a threat – all aluminium cookware made in India.
Three items are woks, and the fourth product is a milk pan.
The three retailers found selling the cookware are Mannan Supermarket in Jamaica, New York; Patel Brothers in Schaumburg, Illinois; and Indiaco, Hoffman Estates, also in Illinois.
According to the UN, “in many low- and middle-income countries, locally made aluminum cookware is common.
“Informal artisans use scrap metal from various products such as waste engine parts.”
Even vehicle radiators, lead batteries and computer parts are used to make the cookware, incorporating whatever metals, including lead, in the final product.
The FDA’s warning on lead-leaching cookware
If you discover you have bought these products, throw them away – and don’t donate or refurbish this tainted cookware
Consumers should check their homes for these lead-contaminated products:
The FDA said its collection and sampling of cookware products “remain ongoing.”
And it gave vital advice to consumers who have unwittingly bought the dangerous items: “throw them away.”
STRICT RULES
Retailers and distributors have also been put on notice – they are 100% responsible for ensuring the cookware is safe for contact with food.
Cookware sold in the United States must comply with all FDA regulations.
Those unsure about the rules – and whether their stock complies – can simply use FDA’s lead leach testing protocol for cookware.
The administration added, “Other cookware products may also be affected.
“Consumers who have concerns about lead exposure or elevated levels of lead should contact their health care provider.
“Do not donate or refurbish this cookware.”
Lead exposure can result in learning disabilities, increased risk of antisocial behavior, reduced fertility and cardiovascular disease, according to the World Health Organization.
Exposure is usually through the skin, inhalation or ingestion.
