Non-stick cookware is just about the most commonly used cookware in the world, and almost all of it is manufactured in China. Due to the risks of non-stick treatments contacting food, it's extremely important to have the proper quality control procedures in place when buying this product from China.
The below overview of non-stick cookware inspection standards does not include all available materials and standards.
United States Non Stick Cookware Inspection and Quality Control Standards:
In the United States, non stick cookware coatings fall into two main categories:
- Non stick Cookware for use in food-processing facilities and deli departments of grocery stores
- Non stick Cookware for use in homes and restaurants to prepare, dispense and serve food.
Nonstick coatings on cookware intended for use in home or commercial locations must comply with the Food Drug and Cosmetic Association Title 21 Standard. A nonstick coating on the cookware must meet the following criteria:
- The non stick coating is to manufactured with approved chemicals that are recognized as safe and non-toxic for adults and children, and are listed in 21 CFR.
- The non stick coating must pass extraction inspection tests when tested with food-simulation solvents
- The materials are measured by using the analytical methods that are required by the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Association.
- Each manufacturer must communicate on how to properly wash the cookware prior to first use to the consumer via an instruction manual as a final requirement.
European Non Stick Cookware Inspection and Quality Control Standards:
EEC 1935/2004 and EEC 2023/2006 Standards
The raw materials and the cookware product shall be manufactured with good manufacturing practice. This standard is set in place so manufacturers do not transfer chemicals from the product into the food in quantities that could:
- Endanger an adult or child’s health
- Alter the composition or taste of the food
- Deteriorate in the organoleptic characteristics
Related State Non Stick Cookware Inspection and Quality Control Standards:
Nonstick coatings on cookware in both their liquid and manufactured form must adhere to state Standards such as:
ASTM-C-738
The Standard ASTM-C-738 is used to determine lead and cadmium content. Manufacturers of cookware should advise their non stick coating suppliers the location that their product will be introduced into commerce to ensure that the non stick coating will comply with provisions such as:
California’s Proposition 65
The California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 is used to prevent chemical causing cancer from the manufacturing of the cookware being discharged into cooking or drinking water. California bans lead content greater than 0.1 parts per million in any cookware surface.
Minnesota’s Statute 115A.9651
The Minnesota Standard 115A.9651 is set in place to ban 100 parts per million or more of lead, cadmium, mercury or hexavalent chromium into any pigment, paint, dye, ink or fungicides used for cookware purposes.
Want to learn more about inspection protocol and on-site testing for cookware? Listen to this exclusive podcast interview!