A popular brand of stainless steel pans sold nationwide is being pulled from store shelves after reports that its handle caps can burst off when heated, injuring consumers.
The recall, announced April 2, affects pans sold at Costco stores and online at Costco.com, Walmart.com, and Amazon.com between August 2021 and February 2026. Each set contains two pans—a 10-inch and an 11.5-inch version—with a UPC code of 0-80313-08131-6.
Company officials said they are aware of at least 98 incidents in which the metal cap broke free. “One consumer received bruising and burn injuries,” according to the CPSC posting.
“Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status, and there is no known safe level of exposure to lead,” Town Food Service said in an announcement published by the FDA. The saucepans, manufactured in Pakistan and sold through nationwide kitchen equipment dealers since early 2023, were later discontinued after federal sampling detected the contamination.
Health officials warned that even small exposures can be harmful. According to the Mayo Clinic, lead can interfere with learning and cause behavioral problems in children, and in adults may result in high blood pressure, memory problems, and muscle pain. Pregnant women face additional risks since exposure can harm unborn babies, sometimes causing premature birth or low birth weight.
While no illnesses have been reported yet, the FDA cautioned that lead accumulates in the body over time and can inflict lasting damage.
Customers affected by the December recall were advised to return the saucepans for a full refund by contacting Town Food Service at 718-388-5650 or by email at [email protected].
