Three-Legged Silver Pots Could Be Poisoning Families, Health Department Warns
Three-legged silver pots commonly used for potjiekos and traditional meals could be slowly poisoning households and even contributing to kidney failure, South Africa’s health authorities have warned following concerns raised during World Health Day commemorations held on 9 April 2026.
The warning comes amid growing concern that informally manufactured silver-coloured three-legged pots — widely sold across Southern Africa — may contain dangerous levels of lead, a toxic metal linked to serious health complications.
According to TimesLIVE, health experts and government officials sounded the alarm during an awareness presentation, highlighting that some of these pots are produced using melted scrap metal with unknown chemical composition.
Informal Pots May Contain Dangerous Metals
Health specialist Dr Renee Street, director of the environment and health research unit at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), warned that the materials used in informal manufacturing raise serious safety concerns.
Dr Street explained:
“One of the main issues with the informal sector pots is that there’s no guarantee that food-grade materials are used. What is melted down and used in these pots may contain harmful substances, including lead.”
She added that consumers are often unaware of the risks because these pots rarely undergo safety testing or carry certification labels.
“The safest option is to use pots made from certified food-grade materials. If a product does not clearly state that it is lead-free, there is always a risk.”
Health authorities also warned that lead poisoning is often silent and difficult to detect until damage has already occurred.
Children Most At Risk
Deputy Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla warned that even minimal exposure to lead can cause permanent damage, especially among children.
Dr Phaahla said:
“Even very small amounts can cause irreversible damage, affecting learning, behaviour and long-term health outcomes. Children are especially vulnerable because their bodies absorb lead more easily.”
He further explained that exposure often happens without people realising it.
“We can imagine a child growing up in a home where peeling paint is part of everyday life, where dust settles unnoticed on surfaces… This is how exposure happens, silently and without warning.”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), lead exposure has been linked to:
- Kidney failure
- High blood pressure
- Infertility
- Cognitive decline
- Behavioural disorders in children
- Reduced IQ and intellectual disability
Multiple Sources Of Lead Exposure
Officials stressed that cooking pots are only one possible source of lead exposure.
Other sources include:
- Old paint
- Contaminated soil
- Water pipes
- Consumer products
Department of Health representative Belinda Makhafola said banning lead completely is complex because the metal is still used in various industries.
Makhafola explained:
“Lead is still used in various industries, so it’s not simply a matter of banning it outright. The focus is on strict regulation, limiting exposure and ensuring safer alternatives.”
South Africa has already tightened regulations on lead in paint and restricted non-compliant products. However, authorities say enforcement and public awareness remain major challenges.
Experts now warn that everyday household items — including cooking pots — could pose hidden health risks if not properly regulated.
As awareness grows, consumers are being urged to check cookware carefully and prioritise certified food-grade materials.