All-Clad Pans: Non-Toxic And Safe For Cooking?

All-Clad is a popular cookware brand that uses non-stick coatings on its pans. Non-stick coatings are achieved using chemicals known as PFAS, which includes PTFE, also known as Teflon. While All-Clad's non-stick pans are safe for normal use, there are concerns about the environmental impact of manufacturing PTFE, as well as the potential release of toxic gases if the pans are overheated or scratched. Some people choose to avoid non-stick pans entirely due to these concerns, opting for stainless steel, cast iron, or carbon steel cookware instead.

All-Clad non-stick pans contain PTFE, a chemical that can be toxic if the pan is heated beyond 550°F

PTFE is often referred to as Teflon, which was previously linked to cancer. However, Teflon has been phased out, and modern non-stick coatings no longer contain PFOA and PFOS, two types of PFAS that were known toxins. Nevertheless, other chemicals used in non-stick coatings may have similar or even worse health effects, as they are lesser-known and lesser-studied.

To avoid potential health risks associated with PTFE and other PFAS, it is recommended to use alternative materials for cookware, such as stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, or ceramic. These materials are considered non-toxic and do not have non-stick coatings, although they may require more care and maintenance. Additionally, it is important to follow the instructions for use and care provided by the manufacturer to ensure the safe use of any cookware.

PTFE is listed in the CECBP - Priority Chemicals (Biomonitoring California Priority Chemicals list)

PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a chemical compound used in non-stick coatings for cookware. It is made up of a chain of thousands of carbon atoms, with two fluorine atoms attached to each carbon atom. This structure gives PTFE a very high chemical inertia, making it harmless to human health. It is also exceptionally resistant to high temperatures and is very "glidable", making it ideal for producing a highly effective coating for cooking pots and pans.

PTFE is known to be inert and non-bioaccumulative. It is frequently used in the medical field, for example in pacemakers, artificial arteries, and prostheses. Studies conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have shown that particles of PTFE that have been swallowed pass through the body, just like any other fibre that flows through the digestive system without being assimilated. Due to its high chemical structure, PTFE has no effect on the body when ingested. Therefore, inadvertently swallowing a micro piece of the coating is considered safe.

However, PTFE is listed in the CECBP (Priority Chemicals) - also known as the Biomonitoring California Priority Chemicals list. This means that PTFE falls under the umbrella of PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), which are known colloquially as "forever chemicals". There is evidence that PFAS can cause a myriad of health and environmental problems, including lowering immunity in children, kidney disease, and thyroid disease. As a result, the use of PFOAs (perfluorooctanoic acid, another chemical that falls under the PFAS umbrella) has been phased out of many production lines over the past decade, although this process is still ongoing.

PFAS chemicals, which include PTFE, are known as forever chemicals as they take a long time to break down

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade chemicals that are widely used and long-lasting. They are known as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down easily and tend to accumulate in animal tissue and the environment. PFAS include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is commonly known by the brand name Teflon. PTFE is used as a non-stick coating for pans and other cookware due to its non-reactivity and hydrophobicity. While PTFE itself is stable and has a high melting point, it can be dangerous if the non-stick coating is chipped or heated above 550°F (287°C).

PTFE is listed as a Priority Chemical by Biomonitoring California and is subject to disclosure requirements under California Assembly Bill 1200 and Colorado House Bill 22-1345. These laws mandate that manufacturers of cookware disclose the presence of certain chemicals, including PFAS, that come into contact with food or beverages. This is because PFAS have been linked to various health issues, such as lowering immunity in children, kidney disease, and thyroid disease, and reproductive health problems.

To reduce exposure to PFAS, it is recommended to avoid non-stick cookware unless it is specifically labelled as PFAS-free. Alternative materials for cookware include stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel. These options may have a learning curve, but they offer a non-toxic and more sustainable choice in the long run.

While PTFE and other PFAS have valuable applications in various industries, their persistence in the environment and potential health risks have sparked concerns among consumers and regulatory bodies. As a result, manufacturers are being held accountable for disclosing the presence of these chemicals and offering safer alternatives.

All-Clad products comply with relevant rules established by the federal Food and Drug Administration

All-Clad's products comply with the relevant requirements of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations governing the safe use of substances in contact with food. This includes compliance with California Assembly Bill 1200 ("A.B. 1200") and Colorado House Bill 22-1345 ("H.B. 22-1345"), which require manufacturers to disclose the presence of certain chemicals added to the handles of products or any surfaces that come into contact with food or beverages.

All-Clad's nonstick products contain PTFE for nonstick properties, which is listed in the CECBP - Priority Chemicals (Biomonitoring California Priority Chemicals list). PTFE is considered safe for normal use, but if the pan's surface is chipped or heated above 550°F, it can be harmful. All-Clad's PTFE-coated products also contain PFAS chemicals (polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA), and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). These chemicals are commonly known as Teflon and are used for their non-stick properties.

While All-Clad ensures that its products comply with all relevant regulations, some people may still have concerns about the presence of PTFE and PFAS chemicals in nonstick cookware. These chemicals are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they break down very slowly and can accumulate in the body and the environment. They have been linked to various health issues, including lowering immunity in children, kidney disease, and thyroid disease.

If you are concerned about the presence of these chemicals, there are alternative non-toxic cookware options available, such as stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, and ceramic. These materials are considered non-toxic because they do not have a nonstick coating and are less likely to contain harmful chemicals. However, they may require more care and maintenance than nonstick cookware.

All-Clad's D3 Everyday set is an expensive, non-dishwasher-safe option for non-toxic cookware

The D3 pans feature three layers: inner and outer steel bonded to an aluminum core. This construction not only reduces weight but also enables faster preheating. In terms of performance, the All-Clad D3 set delivers even cooking and quicker heating compared to some stainless steel competitors. This feature is particularly advantageous when switching from non-stick to steel, as higher temperatures are crucial for effective searing without sticking.

However, the All-Clad D3 Everyday set does come with some drawbacks. Firstly, it is a pricey option, and All-Clad is considered one of the more luxurious stainless steel brands. Secondly, these pots and pans require meticulous care as they cannot be washed in a dishwasher. They are also prone to staining and discolouration, which can be challenging to remove, often requiring intense scrubbing.

If you're seeking a non-toxic cookware set, the All-Clad D3 Everyday set is a reliable choice, but be prepared to invest time and money in its upkeep.

Frequently asked questions