US FDA Issues Letter to Cookware Retailers and Distributors

SGS SafeGuardS highlights a letter issued by the US FDA to cookware retailers and distributors warning of imported products that may leach lead into food. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) February 06, 2025 - Geneva – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 014.25, reporting on the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) notification to cookware retailers and distributors regarding certain imported products that may release lead into food and should not be sold in the US.

The letter, sent in December 2024, detailed the dangers of imported cookware products made from aluminum, brass and aluminum alloys, commonly referred to as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium, which can leach lead when tested under conditions designed to mimic actual food contact use. These products should not be distributed or sold in the US, and the agency will take action against any violative products found.

The letter follows two reports from the Public Health Department of Seattle and King County (PHSKC) highlighting the findings of tests conducted on imported cookware products. The PHSKC also published a summary report providing detailed information on cookware products that released lead at levels exceeding the FDA’s recommended daily intake.

Retailers and distributors have been reminded of their responsibility to ensure the safety and compliance of their food contact products, emphasizing the importance of confirming the absence of leachable lead from cookware. The FDA will take appropriate action against violations of 21 U.S.C. 342(a)(2)(C)(i) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), which prohibits the sale of adulterated products.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 014.25 includes more information about the FDA letter and the availability of testing methods for leachable lead, including the FDA’s own testing protocol.

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 014.25 for more details.

SGS food contact material services
SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s food contact material services. [www.sgs.com/en/service-groups/food-contact-materials]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full US FDA Issues Letter to Cookware Retailers and Distributors SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/01/safeguards-01425-us-fda-issues-letter-to-cookware-retailers-and-distributors]

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. [http://www.sgs.com/subscribes]

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420

Melanie Tamayo
Senior Technical Manager, North America
Tel: +1 (312) 414-9394

Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We operate a network of over 2,700 laboratories and business facilities across 119 countries, supported by a team of 99,250 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance.

Our brand promise, when you need to be sure, underscores our commitment to reliability, integrity and trust — enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH0002497458, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).

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