Did you know some utensils in your house are unsafe for use? The US safety watchdog, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), flagged a particular Indian-made cookware to be unfit for sale, distribution, or use. They alerted that this brand’s kadai, or an Indian wok, may leach unsafe levels of lead into the food.
In a warning issued on August 13, the FDA alerted both retailers and consumers against selling or using the utensil from Tiger White. Manufactured by Saraswati Strips Pvt. Ltd., they market the Tiger White kadai under the name of Pure Aluminium Utensils in India. Based on several leachable lead tests, the FDA revealed that the utensil uses aluminium, brass, and Hindalium alloys, making food cooked inside unsafe for consumption.
Despite issuing regulations, the FDA could not identify the distributors responsible for the sale and, in turn, called for a withdrawal from the market. They advised the retailers to discontinue sales and consumers not to use it.
Impact of lead exposure
Lead may be invisible, but its impact on health is anything but. Experts say there is no safe level of lead exposure; even the smallest amounts can quietly harm the body. The danger is particularly high for children and unborn babies, whose growing bodies absorb lead more easily.
Lead-leached food is one of the most common ways lead makes its way into our systems. Once in the bloodstream, it can build up over time. With mild symptoms at first, it may remain masked for a long time, especially in children. Even low-level exposure can silently affect their brain development, leading to learning difficulties, lower IQ, and changes in behavior. For adults, high exposure to lead can trigger fatigue, headaches, stomach pain, vomiting, and even neurological changes.
FDA issues a recommendation
The FDA issued several steps towards using safer utensils for cooking food. They urged consumers to check the products used in their homes for cooking or food storage. Refurbished or donated cookware should be avoided, given concerns about lead exposure and elevated levels.
The regulatory body also held retailers and distributors responsible for the items sold, and must ensure the safety for use.