IKM cookware recalled due to possible significant levels of lead

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Cookware manufacturer IKM is recalling several products because the items may be contaminated with significant levels of lead which may leach into food. (FDA)

A cookware manufacturer is recalling several products because the items may be contaminated with significant levels of lead which may leach into food.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says IKM of San Jose, California is recalling:  

• - A-cook Aluminum Kadai size 5 (43 pcs)
• - Brass Tope (10 pcs)
• - IKM 4-quart Pital brass pot (9 pcs)
• - IKM Aluminum saucepan wooden handle 9" (56 pcs)

The FDA says the items were distributed to several California grocery stores in the cities of Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Fremont, Hayward, Pittsburg, Milpitas, Tracy, Manteca, Dublin, El Cerrito, Richmond, Hercules, San Jose, Fresno, Pleasanton, Roseville and Sacramento. 

Dig deeper:

To determine if the item has been recalled,  the company says the recalled metal cookware can be identified by distinguishing them by their specific alloy and structural design. 

IKM says the A-cook Aluminum Kadai is a silver-toned, wok-style vessel characterized by its wide, curved basin and lacks a long handle, whereas the Aluminum Saucepan is easily recognized by its 9-inch diameter and the presence of a wooden handle attached to its silver aluminum body. 

The brass items are identifiable by their distinct golden hues: the Brass Tope resembles a standard stock pot with a bright, golden finish, while the 4-quart Pital Brass Pot features a more specialized deep body and a narrow mouth with a characteristic dull or matte golden appearance.

Why you should care:

Lead is toxic to humans and there is no known safe level of exposure to lead, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   The CDC says exposure to low levels of lead can cause serious health problems and children and babies are more susceptible to lead toxicity due to their smaller body size, metabolism, and rapid growth. The CDC says children who are exposed to even low levels of lead may have trouble learning, low IQ, and behavior changes and people exposed to higher levels of lead may experience fatigue, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, or neurologic changes.

What you can do:

So far, the FDA says no illnesses have been reported and consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-650-695- 9009 from 10:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. PST Monday–Friday, excluding national holidays.