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FDA’s November 24, 2025 update added nine cookware product entries—not nine distinct brands—to its warning about imported cookware that may leach lead into food. The list includes several Silver Horse products, items labeled Sonex, IKM, A-Cook, Kraftwares, and Chef, and an unbranded brass pot. FDA added two more product entries on December 3; IKM later announced a separate recall of four products on January 23, 2026. Check the exact product details below, and do not use cookware that matches a listed item.
What the FDA warning covers
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns retailers and consumers not to sell or use certain imported cookware that may leach significant lead into food. FDA says tested products made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys called Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium showed potential to leach lead under test conditions intended to mimic food contact. This is a warning about specific products and possible additional affected cookware; it is not a finding that aluminum cookware in general is unsafe.
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FDA’s table lists products it tested and notes that other cookware may also be affected. The agency may add products as information becomes available. Its listed products do not all have the same status: some entries say a recall was initiated, some say a distributor agreed to recall, and others report that a retailer was notified of sample results. FDA’s alert does not publish a numerical lead concentration for each listed product.
The nine product entries added November 24, 2025
FDA described these as nine cookware products added to its table on November 24, 2025. The table’s product details and status notes are useful for comparison; they are not a ranking of relative risk.
#1 Best Overall
- Healthy Ceramic Cookware Set - Ceramic non-stick surface, safe and non toxic, free of PFOA, PTFE, PFAS, PFOS, lead, cadmium and other toxic substances that can leach into food.
- Natural Nonstick - Ceramic non-stick is healthier than Teflon coating! Scratch-resistant with excellent food release. Only less oil is needed for cooking, for a healthy, low-fat diet.
- 14 Piece Pots and Pans Set Includes - 8 & 9.5 inch frying pan set, 12inch/5QT saute pan with lid, 6.5QT casserole with lid, 2QT saucepan with lid, 2pcs multi-purpose utensils, 4pcs pot protectors.
- Easy to Clean - Simply wipe with a paper towel or rinse with water, hand washing is recommended as it cleans effortlessly.
- Induction Compatible - 4.8mm thick stainless steel pan bottom makes this cookware set suitable for all stovetops. Die-cast aluminum construction allows the pan to heat up quickly and evenly, keeping the heat consistent. No warping and durable.
| Product as listed | Seller and location | Manufacturer, distributor, or FDA status note |
|---|---|---|
| Sonex Aluminum Pot (ISO 9001:2000 5) | Alanwar Food Corp. (Balady Foods), Brooklyn, New York | Sonex Cookware is named as manufacturer; recall initiated November 18. |
| IKM Aluminum Saucepan; product label identifies a 9-inch aluminum pan with a wooden handle | India Metro Hypermarket, Fremont, California | Distributor agreed to recall on November 19. |
| Brass Tope | India Metro Hypermarket | Kraftwares (India) Ltd. is named as manufacturer; distributor agreed to recall on November 19. |
| Aluminum Kadai Size 5, A-Cook brand | India Metro Hypermarket | Kraftwares (India) Ltd. is named as manufacturer; distributor agreed to recall on November 19. |
| IKM 4-Quart Pital Brass Pot | India Cash and Carry, Fremont, California | Distributor agreed to recall on November 19. |
| Silver Horse Aluminum Caldero 28 | Punjab Supermarket & Halal Meats, Rosedale, Maryland | FDA says it notified the retail location of sample results. |
| Silver Horse Aluminum Degda 24 | Punjab Supermarket & Halal Meats, Rosedale, Maryland | FDA says it notified the retail location of sample results. |
| Silver Horse Aluminum Degda 20 | Punjab Supermarket & Halal Meats, Rosedale, Maryland | FDA says it notified the retail location of sample results. |
| Chef Milk Pan 24 cm | Punjab Supermarket & Halal Meats, Rosedale, Maryland | Shata Traders is named as distributor; recall initiated November 19. |
The table has more than nine entries overall. FDA recorded two further additions on December 3, 2025: a 3B Cookware Aluminum Deg Style Patila #4 and an unbranded handmade Brass Tope. Because some November entries share a label and one is unbranded, “nine brands” is not an accurate description of what FDA added. Check the FDA’s current alert and product table for photos and the latest listing.
How to check whether your cookware matches
- Compare the exact product name and any wording or identifier on the label with the FDA table.
- Check the cookware’s design and size, then compare the seller and any manufacturer or distributor information shown in the FDA entry.
- If you are unsure, contact the retailer or consult FDA’s current alert. Material or a broad brand name alone may not establish whether a particular item is affected.
What to do if you have a listed product
FDA advises consumers to check their homes for listed cookware, stop using any cookware that may leach lead into food during cooking or food storage, and throw it away. Do not donate or refurbish it. If you are concerned about possible exposure or elevated lead levels, contact a health care provider.
Rank #2
- Healthy Ceramic Coating: Features food-safe coating free of hazardous chemicals, enabling healthier home cooking for your entire family.
- Even Heating: Even&rapid heat delivery without hot spots so food cooks the same everywhere on the pan while boiling, simmering, reheating.
- Silicone Sealed Glass Lid: Lids of the pots have silicone edge that creates a tight seal to lock in moisture and flavor, allows you to monitor cooking without lifting, and protects against chipping for added safety
- Time-saving Cleaning: Enjoy effortless cooking and cleaning with exceptional performance and ultra-nonstick coating.
- Carote provides 12 months warranty from the date of purchase. Please don't hesitate to reach out if have any quality problem. You will be guaranteed to get satisfying solution
Lead is toxic, and FDA says there is no known safe level of exposure. Even low exposure can cause serious health problems, particularly for children and fetuses. FDA identifies young children, women of child-bearing age, and people who are breastfeeding as groups that may be at higher risk of potential adverse events after eating food cooked using these products. This information is not a diagnosis; discuss individual concerns with a health care provider.
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How the January 2026 IKM recall relates
On January 23, 2026, IKM announced a separate recall covering four products. The FDA-hosted announcement says routine FDA sampling found elevated lead in finished products, IKM stopped distribution, and no illnesses had been reported at that time. Purchasers were advised to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Rank #3
- A Top-Level Harder Quartz Nonstick Material – 10x Ultra Non-Stick Performance. Our nonstick cookware set is reinforced with premium-grade quartz, delivering superior nonstick action that outperforms standard granite coatings. Free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, this healthier nonstick surface ensures your daily cooking is always safer, easier, and more enjoyable. Just cook with less oil, and it wipes clean effortlessly.
- Reinforced Die-Cast Aluminum Construction with 4mm Thick Base. Our heavy-duty die-cast aluminum cookware set is built for long-term durability and warp resistance. The extra-thick 4mm base ensures even heat distribution and eliminates hot spots, while the scratch-resistant quartz coating withstands daily wear. This is not lightweight flimsy cookware – this is professional-grade reliability for your kitchen.
- Heats Up Quickly & Evenly on All Cooktops, Including Induction. Our 4mm extended bottom design ensures fast, uniform heat distribution across the entire pan surface – no hot spots, no slow zones. Whether you're using gas, electric, ceramic, or induction, this die-cast aluminum cookware set delivers professional-grade heating performance for every meal.
- Ergonomic Bakelite Handles & Elegant Chocolate Diamond Design. The fry pans and saucepans feature heat-resistant, soft-touch bakelite handles designed for a comfortable, non-slip grip – reducing wrist strain during daily cooking. The stunning chocolate diamond faceted exterior adds a modern aesthetic to any kitchen. Plus, our stockpots come with seamless one-piece handles for extra durability. Zero gaps for grease to hide, zero loose screws.
- Complete 26-Piece Kitchen Solution – This 26 piece cookware set includes 8 inch fry pan, 9.45inch fry pan, 11inch fry pan, 2.4-qt stockpot with lid, 4.42-qt stockpot with lid, 6.64-qt stockpot with lid, 4.12-qt sauté pan with lid, 1.4-qt Saucepan with lid, 5 Silicone Kitchen Utensils, 7 Non-Woven Pan Protectors, Stainless Steel Steamer. A true all in one cookware set that replaces your entire kitchen. Makes an ideal housewarming gift or wedding gift.
| Product in IKM announcement | Quantity covered |
|---|---|
| A-cook Aluminum Kadai size 5 | 43 pieces |
| Brass Tope | 10 pieces |
| IKM 4-quart Pital Brass Pot | 9 pieces |
| IKM Aluminum Saucepan, wooden handle, 9 inches | 56 pieces |
These products overlap with items in FDA’s November table, but the IKM announcement is a later company recall, not the November table update itself. See the FDA-hosted IKM recall announcement for its product and return details. IKM’s notice says children and babies may be more susceptible to lead’s effects because of their smaller body size, metabolism, and rapid growth.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DIAMOND BOND HYBRID TECHNOLOGY: Our proprietary technology fuses tri-ply stainless steel with a laser-etched, diamond-textured surface and a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating. This combination delivers 10X more durability, 6X faster heat response, and 4X longer-lasting nonstick.
- STAINLESS STEEL TRI-PLY 12-PIECE COOKWARE SET: Includes a 1.57QT & 3QTsaucepans with lids, 5.19QT stockpot with lid, 8” frypan, 10” frypan, 2.78QT sauté pan with lid, solid turner, and slotted spoon—perfect for boiling, frying, sautéing, simmering,and more for all your kitchen essential needs.
- PFAS-FREE CERAMIC NONSTICK: Nonstick coating is made without intentionally added PFAS
- BUILT FOR LASTING DURABILITY: Heavy-duty, scratch-resistant construction withstands 850°F oven/broiler use (glass lids to 425°F). Cast riveted handles provide a secure grip, while chip-resistant, wrapped rims facilitate clean pouring. Tempered glass lids lock in flavor, and dishwasher safe design makes cleanup effortless.
- 10X MORE METAL UTENSIL SAFE: Ultra-tough ceramic coating stands up to metal utensils without compromising nonstick performance. Silicone tools recommended.
Rank #4
- KITCHEN COOKWARE SET: This Cuisinart stainless steel cookware set includes 1.5 qt. & 2.5 qt. saucepans w/glass covers, 3 qt. saucepan w/glass cover & helper handle, 8 qt. stockpot w/glass cover, 8" skillet, 10" skillet and 7.08" steamer insert
- PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL: Premium stainless steel pots and pans set with aluminum encapsulated base heats quickly and spreads heat evenly, eliminating hot spots for optimal cooking performance
- COOL GRIP HANDLES: Cast stainless steel Cool Grip stick handles are contoured for a secure grip and designed to stay cool on the stovetop, while glass lids equipped with wide, easy-grip handles fit tight to lock in flavor, texture and nutrients
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING: Riveted stainless steel handles, including side grips and helper handles, are professionally riveted to ensure a lifetime of perfect balance and a drip-free pour every time for your best cooking results
- DISHWASHER & OVEN SAFE: Easy to clean and conveniently dishwasher safe, this stainless steel cookware set is also oven safe up to 500°F and can be used on stovetop, in oven or under broiler, providing a range of versatile, professional performance
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