December 12, 2025: A recent incident report details a concerning safety hazard involving the Mingle & CO Enamoled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. During normal cooking at temperatures well within its stated limits, the interior enamel of the Dutch oven reportedly cracked and began flaking off, mixing sharp, hard fragments into prepared food. This incident highlights a significant safety risk for consumers who own and use this product.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on November 25, 2025, involving a Mingle & CO Enamoled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. According to the report, the product was in normal use, cooking at 350°F. This temperature is significantly below the product’s stated maximum temperature rating of 500°F. Despite operating well within safety parameters, the interior enamel coating of the Dutch oven reportedly cracked and started to flake away. Several pieces of this coating became dislodged and were discovered mixed into the prepared meal after cooking. The fragments were described as sharp, hard, and presented a clear risk of being swallowed if not noticed in time. The presence of these foreign, hard objects in food raises serious concerns about product integrity and consumer safety.
Safety Concerns
The flaking enamel from the Mingle & CO Enamoled Cast Iron Dutch Oven presents immediate and potentially long-term health hazards:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is the ingestion of sharp, hard enamel fragments. These pieces could cause choking, especially in children or individuals with difficulty swallowing. If swallowed, the sharp edges could lead to internal injuries, such as cuts or punctures to the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
- Long-Term Risks: While the immediate danger of physical injury is paramount, there could also be long-term health implications if the enamel contains materials that are not food-safe or are toxic when ingested, though the specific composition of the enamel is not known from this report. Repeated exposure to foreign materials in food could also pose digestive issues.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using this Dutch oven is at risk. Families, in particular, should be cautious, as children are more susceptible to choking hazards and may not easily distinguish enamel fragments from food.
- Property Damage Potential: While the primary concern is personal injury, the degradation of the enamel also renders the Dutch oven unsafe and unusable for its intended purpose, effectively destroying the product’s value.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Mingle & CO Enamoled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, especially if purchased from Kohls, please take the following steps:
- Immediately Stop Use: Discontinue using the Dutch oven immediately, even if you have not observed any enamel flaking. Do not attempt to repair or continue cooking with a compromised enamel surface.
- Inspect Your Product: Carefully inspect the interior surface of your Dutch oven for any signs of cracking, chipping, blistering, or flaking of the enamel coating.
- Contact the Retailer/Manufacturer: Reach out to Kohls or KOHL’S DEPARTMENT STORE, INC. to report your product’s condition and inquire about potential remedies, such as a refund or replacement.
- Retain the Product: Do not discard the Dutch oven. Keep it as evidence should further investigation or action be required.
- Report the Incident: If you have experienced a similar incident or are concerned about the product, report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report helps to identify widespread issues and prompt official action.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of the date of this article, the manufacturer’s response to this specific incident report is unknown. Consumers are advised to directly contact KOHL’S DEPARTMENT STORE, INC. or Kohls for information regarding product safety and any potential remedies.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.