Key Update

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety warning against aluminium cookware imported from India after laboratory tests revealed that these utensils can leach unsafe levels of lead into food.

Products Under Scrutiny

The warning specifically targets the Tiger White brand kadai manufactured by Saraswati Strips Pvt. Ltd., Haryana. In India, these products are marketed as Pure Aluminium Utensils (Tiger White). The FDA noted that cookware made from aluminium, brass, hindalium, and similar alloys poses serious health risks when used for cooking. While the FDA has prohibited small businesses and consumers from purchasing these products, it has not yet been able to trace all distributors. This raises concerns that the utensils may still be available in retail outlets in the U.S.

Health Risks of Lead Exposure

Experts warn that no level of lead exposure is safe. Even minimal amounts can harm health, especially in vulnerable groups.

• Children: risk of reduced IQ, learning disabilities, behavioural problems, and delayed development.
• Adults: headaches, fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, and neurological issues.
• Pregnant women and infants: particularly at risk, with potential long-term developmental effects.

What Consumers Should Do

The FDA urged consumers to:

• Inspect kitchens for cookware labelled Tiger White, Hindalium/Hindolium, or Indalium/Indolium.
• Stop using them for cooking or food storage.
• Avoid donating or recycling them; instead, discard them safely.

Retailer Responsibility

The FDA has directed retailers to remove the products from shelves immediately and test similar cookware for lead leaching before sale. Officials reiterated that lead is strictly prohibited on any food-contact surface and urged strict compliance to safeguard public health.

Source: cnbctv18

Mathrubhumi