An urgent product recall has been launched for thousands of cooking pans sold nationwide, following the discovery of significant contamination with chemicals linked to cancer and autism.
Affected Products and Brands
Between September and November 2025, several imported aluminium and brass cookware items, including pots, pans, and milk pans, were pulled from shelves after rigorous FDA testing revealed serious safety concerns. The testing confirmed that the pieces of cookware were contaminated with dangerously high levels of lead.
The recalled products span a range of brands, such as Sonex, Silver Horse, Chef, Dolphin, Royal Kitchen, and Tiger White. These items were manufactured in countries including Pakistan and India and were distributed largely through regional importers. One specific recall was issued by Shata Traders Inc. of Brooklyn, New York, for a 24cm milk pan produced by Pakistan-based Majestic Chef.
Serious Health Risks of Lead Exposure
A growing body of research has linked prolonged exposure to lead with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The health implications extend far beyond neurological effects, with exposure to such heavy metals also being associated with cancer, kidney disease, birth defects, and cardiovascular dysfunction as lead accumulates in vital organs, damaging cells and neurons.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emphasises that there is no safe level of lead exposure, particularly for children and fetuses, who are more susceptible due to their smaller body size and rapid development. At low levels, children may show no obvious symptoms but can still suffer from learning difficulties, low IQ, and behavioural changes.
At higher levels of exposure, symptoms of lead poisoning can include abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, and in severe cases, seizures and coma. In adults, lead exposure can lead to high blood pressure, kidney damage, reduced fertility, and an increased risk of cancer.
What Consumers and Retailers Should Do
Consumers are strongly advised to check their homes for the affected products and dispose of any cookware that may contain lead. It is believed these products may be made from recycled materials, such as car parts, which can contaminate the aluminium or brass during the manufacturing process.
Meanwhile, cookware retailers and distributors are being encouraged to consult with the FDA regarding the safety and regulatory status of their stock. In a significant regulatory move, Washington state will ban the sale and manufacture of metal cookware containing more than five parts per million of lead from January 1, 2026.
Fortunately, no illnesses or health-related complaints linked to these recalls have been reported at this time.
