FDA Expands Cookware Recall Over Lead Leaching Concerns in 2025

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has significantly expanded a major consumer safety alert. In December 2025, the agency added nine more cookware brands to its active recall list. The products pose a serious health risk due to dangerous lead leaching.

This action continues an investigation that began months earlier. The affected items are primarily aluminum and brass pots and pans. They were sold in various ethnic and specialty markets across multiple states.

Expanding List of Affected Brands and Retailers

The FDA’s updated table now includes many more brands. Initial recalls in August and November focused on specific imports. Names like Kadai, Silver Horse, and JK Vallabhdas were first identified.

The newly added brands include Sonex Cookware and Kraftwares. Others are IKM/JSM Foods sold at India Metro Hypermarket in California. Silver Horse products were also found at a Maryland supermarket.

According to the FDA warning, the list is not final. The agency states it will continue to update the public as testing reveals more contaminated products. Retailers are legally responsible for selling safe goods.

The Severe Health Risks of Lead Exposure

Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe exposure level. This is a core finding from the FDA and public health experts. Even small amounts can cause significant harm, especially to children.

Exposure can lead to developmental issues and learning disabilities in kids. Adults may experience headaches, fatigue, and neurological problems. Pregnant individuals are at particular risk, as lead can affect fetal development.

The contamination occurs when cooking acidic or salty foods. These foods can cause lead to leach from the cookware’s metal into the meal. The process is invisible and tasteless, making it especially dangerous.

What Consumers Must Do Immediately

If you own any of the recalled cookware, stop using it at once. The FDA’s advice is clear and urgent. Do not continue to prepare food in these pots or pans.

You should also not donate the items. Passing them along could poison another family. The only safe action is to discard the cookware immediately.

Check the FDA’s website for the most current list of brands and retailers. The agency provides photos and detailed product descriptions. Staying informed is your best defense.

This ongoing FDA cookware recall highlights a critical gap in import safety. Consumers must remain vigilant about the products in their kitchens. Your health depends on it.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Which cookware brands were just added to the FDA recall?

The FDA added nine brands in December 2025. New names include Sonex Cookware, Kraftwares (India) Ltd., and specific IKM/JSM Foods products. These were sold at retailers in New York, California, and Maryland.

What are the symptoms of lead poisoning from cookware?

In children, symptoms include learning difficulties and behavioral changes. Adults may feel fatigued, have headaches, or experience stomach pain. High exposure can cause more severe neurological issues.

Where was the recalled cookware sold?

The products were sold in ethnic grocery stores and specialty markets. Key states include New York, Illinois, California, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington D.C. Retailers like India Metro Hypermarket and Punjab Supermarket are involved.

Why is this type of cookware leaching lead?

Many recalled items are made from aluminum or brass alloys. These materials sometimes contain lead from manufacturing. Cooking acidic foods can draw the toxic metal out of the pot and into your food.

What should I do with a recalled pot or pan?

You must throw it away. Do not use it, donate it, or sell it. Contact the store where you bought it for possible reimbursement information, but dispose of the item regardless.

How can I ensure my new cookware is safe?

Purchase from reputable, well-known brands with clear safety certifications. Look for products explicitly labeled as lead-free. Be cautious with unmarked, imported aluminum or brass cookware from small markets.