Cooking With Cast Iron Cookware-Recalls

There are numerous articles and testimony shouting the benefits of cast iron cookware.Cast Iron cookware has been around for hundreds of years. In modern times, cookware can be found in stores, television and online.With that said, there have been recalls of cast iron cookware, some endorsed by well-known personality cooks.

According to website The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) “is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.” Since 2009 the CPSC has recalled three sets of cast iron cookware, two sets were sold on television and online and one in the store.The CPSC posts a statement encouraging individuals to include recalls on their websites.

In October 2009 the Paula Deen® Hammered Cast Iron Cookware, featuring the registered trademark, and manufactured in China was placed on the recall list. The cookware was sold on televised shows by QVC, item numbers K14984, K11970 and K135024.Shipped from Hong Kong, the cookware was reported to crack or shatter. One can imagine the danger of hot iron blowing apart and fragmented pieces burning and cutting the cook.Alarmingly the retailer QVC and Chinese distributor Meyer Trading Co. Ltd., of Hong Kong received almost eighty complaints regarding the hazardous cookware.

Interestingly, in December 2010, QVC again had cast iron cookware recalled by manufacturer Meyer Trading Company Limited, of Hong Kong, China. The item was a Technique enamel-coated 8-inch cast iron skillet with “Technique" is printed on the bottom of the pans. Again the cookware cracked and broke apart causing burns to at least two people.The enamel coating chipped off the cast iron pan.

Neither Macy’s nor Martha Stewart is immune from recalls. There was indication Macy’s imported the Martha Stewart Collection™ Enamel Cast Iron Casseroles from China.Like the first two recalls, the cookware fragments and flies into the air. Individuals can be burned and lacerated by pieces of airborne enamels. The recall was post just this August 2011.

CPSC states that “Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.” This law may be or may not be a concern for individuals selling and buying items at yard sales and swap meets. There are only three recalls on the list for cast iron cookware, which would imply it’s a wonderful item we will enjoy for many more years.Reputable vendors offer refunds for returned items. There are long time established American companies that produce cast iron cookware such as Lodge and Bayou.

Like other products, there usually is not a recall unless someone complains and/or injured. To report hazardous merchandise or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired as suggested by the website. Everyone can stay current on product safety and recalls by obtaining news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov.