The below overview of non-stick cookware inspection standards does not include all available materials and standards.
In the United States, non stick cookware coatings fall into two main categories:
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 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:
Nonstick coatings on cookware in both their liquid and manufactured form must adhere to state Standards such as:
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:
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.
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.
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