IKM of San Jose, California has issued a voluntary recall of cookware products after the Food and Drug Administration announced that the items may be contaminated with significant levels of lead that could leach into food during cooking.

The FDA announced the recall Friday, citing serious health risks associated with lead exposure through contaminated cooking surfaces. Lead contamination in cookware poses particular dangers because the toxic metal can migrate from cooking surfaces into food, especially when exposed to heat and acidic ingredients.

The recall affects cookware items manufactured and distributed by IKM, though the FDA notice did not specify the exact number of units involved or provide detailed product identification information. The agency's announcement follows testing that revealed lead levels significant enough to warrant immediate consumer action.

Lead exposure through contaminated cookware represents a serious public health concern, particularly for vulnerable populations including pregnant women, infants, and young children. Even small amounts of lead exposure can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems in children. In adults, lead poisoning can result in high blood pressure, kidney damage, and other serious health complications.

Consumers who own IKM cookware products are advised to stop using them immediately and contact the company for information about returns or replacements. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with IKM to ensure all affected products are removed from the market.