Incessant use of the three-legged silver pot to cook stews and other foods can slowly poison the body and cause kidney failure.
This is a warning that has been making rounds on social media, particularly South African online media publications, in the last two days.
The publications refer to an observation coming from the department of health in the neighbouring country, which says that informally manufactured versions of these pots, especially the widely used silver-coloured ones, are potential contributors to lead poisoning.
Meanwhile, local nutritionist Siniketiwe Zwane from Eswatini National Nutrition Council, when asked for her sentiments on the warning, said that although no local scientific verification has been carried out yet, she was of the view that Emaswati should nonetheless take precautions when using such pots and other cooking utensils.
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“People should not be alarmed, but they must make sure to avoid pot and other cooking utensil residue on food. Don’t use this kind of pot if they are cracked or appear to have other damage signs. These pots are made from aluminium or lead,” she said yesterday.
She said what is critical with using three-legged pots is to keep them properly dried after washing, and they must be stored away from spaces with moisture to avoid rust. They should be kept indoors only.
Zwane also advised that before use, they must be rinsed with water.
Beyond pots, she also warned about always using plastic containers to warm food in the microwave because they give out certain chemicals that can accumulate in the body. Such can make a person ill and even lead to cancer.
Additional Context (Summary)
- The warning is currently based on regional observations, not confirmed local studies.
- Risk is linked mainly to informally manufactured pots, which may contain unsafe metals like lead.
- Proper usage and maintenance can significantly reduce potential health risks.
