Why PFAS‑free pans can still be toxic

They look flashy in your kitchen. Bold colours, sleek shapes, often promoted as the healthy alternative. PFAS‑free. Family‑friendly. Non‑toxic. But don’t be fooled. Even pans without PFAS can contain harmful substances. In fact, many of those popular non‑stick pans aren’t as safe as they claim to be.

Ceramic pans – not really PFAS‑free?

The demand for PFAS‑free cookware is growing, and with it the popularity of so‑called ceramic pans. But are they truly PFAS‑free? Many of those pans look like ceramic, but they aren't. Instead of traditional clay or fire‑proof materials, the base is usually aluminium with a sol‑gel coating. That coating contains silica, polymers and chemicals, and is baked at a low temperature. What does that mean? That the layer can melt or degrade at high temperatures. Not good news for your food – or your health.

What’s really in that coating?

Independent research (Scientific challenges in the risk assessment of food contact materials) shows that many of these supposedly safe coatings contain substances such as titanium dioxide, siloxanes, lead, mercury and even PFAS‑like compounds.¹ Titanium dioxide is banned in Europe as a food additive. But in pans? No problem. At least, according to the law. And what does ‘non‑toxic’ actually mean? Nothing. Because that word isn’t protected. Manufacturers may use it without proving what’s actually in their pan. The composition often remains secret. Convenient for them. Risky for you.

Transparency? We'd like some.

Thankfully the pressure is mounting. Consumer organisations are demanding clarity. And in some countries laws are being prepared that will force manufacturers to disclose their non‑stick ingredients.

Source:¹ E. Muncke et al. (2017). Scientific challenges in the risk assessment of food contact materials. Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, 34(9), 1626‑1640. https://doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2016.1269954