Can metal cookware contain lead that gets into your food?

What's actually in it

Metal cookware comes in many forms: stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, and various coated options. Some of these products, especially imported or artisanal pieces, may contain lead in their base metals, glazes, or decorative finishes. Lead has no safe level of exposure according to the CDC.

You might think lead in cookware is a problem from decades ago, but it's still turning up in products on store shelves today. The issue is worst with unregulated imports, hand-crafted items, and traditional cookware from certain regions.

What the research says

A 2025 study in J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol tested a range of metal cookware products available in the Seattle area. The researchers used X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to screen items for lead content, then tested whether lead leached into acidic solutions that mimic food.

Several items tested positive for lead in the base material or surface coating. When these items were exposed to acidic conditions, measurable amounts of lead transferred into the liquid. The levels depended on how much lead was in the cookware and how acidic the test solution was.

The study specifically flagged certain imported metal pots and pans as higher risk. Products made from recycled metals are another concern, since recycled alloys can carry lead contamination from their previous use.

To stay safe, buy cookware from brands that test for heavy metals and avoid unbranded imported metal pots. If you own vintage or artisanal cookware, consider getting it tested with an at-home lead test kit before using it for cooking.