PFAS are a large group of chemicals that appear in news stories about cookware. This guide repeats the FDA's published position and does not call any product safe or unsafe.

This guide is based on the public sources listed at the end. We have not tested the products or services mentioned.

What the FDA says about cookware

The FDA says some PFAS are approved for nonstick cookware coatings and for gaskets that contact food. It describes them as polymerised (large bonded molecules) and heat-bonded to the cookware, and says studies show the coatings contain a negligible amount of PFAS that could migrate to food.

What is different about paper packaging

Grease-proofing PFAS on paper and paperboard are different. The FDA says they can migrate to food, were phased out after a safety review, and in January 2025 it declared 35 related food contact notifications no longer effective.

What the page does not say

  • It gives no migration measurements for cookware.
  • It does not address the effects of heat or wear.
  • It notes that health effects are unknown or limited for most of the thousands of PFAS chemicals, so it does not claim all PFAS are safe.

Regulators differ

Rules are being reviewed in several places. Check the maker's own statement and instructions.

What to check when buying

  1. Does the listing state the coating?
  2. Does the maker give instructions for temperature and utensils?
  3. What is the warranty and return period?

Avoid listings that say a pan is simply "safe" or "toxic-free" without explaining. See our guide to imported cookware and lead.

Last checked: 15 October 2026. Sources: US FDA, questions and answers on PFAS in food.