Due to concerning levels of lead contamination found in their manufacture, the Eastern Regional Manager of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Anita Owusu-Kuffour, has demanded an immediate national ban on locally produced metal cooking pots, commonly referred to as “Dadesen.”
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on heavy metal contamination in cereal-legume mixes in Somanya, Yilo Krobo Municipality, Madam Owusu-Kuffour disclosed that FDA investigations had verified that local artisans had used dangerous lead in the production of these pots.
She claims that the lead is purposefully added to soften the metal and facilitate molding, a process that puts customers’ health at serious danger.
“When they are making the pots, the metal becomes hard, so they add lead to soften it.
The sad part is that most local manufacturers have no idea about the health implications,” she said.
“We are, therefore, advising the public to stop using ‘Dadesen’ that contain lead.”
Madam Owusu-Kuffour warned that using lead-contaminated cookware on a regular basis might lead to chronic illnesses like cancer, kidney failure, and Parkinson’s disease.
She clarified that when food is cooked in these pots, the heat causes lead to seep into the meal, rendering it unfit for human consumption.
The FDA representative advised regional craftspeople to switch from using lead to safer materials like stainless steel, which is both durable and safe.
NKONKONSA.com
