The Eastern Regional Manager of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Anita Owusu-Kuffour, has urged an immediate ban on locally made cooking pots, popularly known as “Dadesen,” after investigations revealed dangerous levels of lead in their production. She warned that the contamination poses serious health risks to consumers.
Madam Owusu-Kuffour made the call during a stakeholder engagement on heavy metal contamination in cereal-legume mixes held in Somanya, Yilo Krobo Municipality.
She explained that FDA surveillance found lead—a toxic heavy metal—is often added during the manufacturing process to soften the metal and ease moulding. This practice, she cautioned, exposes users to severe health conditions, including cancer, kidney failure, and Parkinson’s disease.
“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. We are, therefore, advising the public to stop using ‘Dadesen’ that contain lead,” she said.
On identifying lead-contaminated pots, Madam Owusu-Kuffour recommended that artisans entirely avoid using lead and instead adopt safer alternatives such as stainless steel.
She also warned against careless use of nonstick cookware, noting that once the protective coating wears off, toxic chemicals and heavy metals can leach into food. “If the coating wears off, you are exposing yourself to serious health risks, including cancer, because some of these coatings contain heavy metals,” she explained.
The FDA Regional Manager further cautioned that some materials used in manufacturing kitchen utensils can become harmful when scratched or corroded, as chemicals may leach into food and enter the bloodstream, leading to chronic illnesses.
“A good-quality stainless steel product can serve both purposes—safety and durability,” she said.
Madam Owusu-Kuffour emphasised that ensuring food safety requires collective action among producers, regulators, and consumers. “As science and technology improve, it is important for all of us to adapt and move away from harmful practices to protect public health,” she added.