The Eastern Regional Manager of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Anita Owusu-Kuffour, has called for an immediate ban on locally made cooking pots, popularly known as “Dadesen”, due to severe health risks associated with their use.
According to her, FDA investigations have revealed dangerously high levels of lead in the metals used to produce these pots, posing serious threats to public health.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement on heavy metal contamination in cereal-legume mixes at Somanya in the Yilo Krobo Municipality, Madam Owusu-Kuffour explained that local artisans often add lead to soften the metal and make moulding easier.
“When they are making the pots, the metal becomes hard, so they add lead to soften it. Unfortunately, most local manufacturers are unaware of the health implications,” she said. “We are therefore advising the public to stop using ‘Dadesen’ pots that contain lead.”
She cautioned that continuous use of such cookware could cause life-threatening conditions including cancer, kidney failure, and Parkinson’s disease.
Madam Owusu-Kuffour advised local artisans to switch to safer alternatives such as stainless steel to protect consumers and ensure product quality.
She also warned consumers about the improper use of nonstick cookware, explaining that once the protective coating wears off, it can release toxic substances and heavy metals into food.
“If the coating wears off, you expose yourself to serious health risks, including cancer, because some of these coatings contain harmful metals,” she noted.
She further explained that poor-quality or corroded kitchen utensils can leach chemicals into food, which, when absorbed into the bloodstream, may lead to chronic illnesses.
“A good-quality stainless steel product ensures both safety and durability,” she emphasized.
