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The terroir is popular and casseroles are making a comeback. Among them, the French brands Le Creuset and Staub are popular for their color chart which is updated every year, as much as for their reassuring properties at a time when we question our diet. In the 1950s, manufacturers began using PFAS (perand polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemical compounds for their non-stick or waterproofing qualities.
Local produce is popular and casseroles are making a comeback
“Our environment is contaminated, because factories that use these substances release massive amounts into the environment. Very stable, they contaminate the soil, but also humans through food,” says Pauline Cervan, toxicologist for the Générations futures association. Although studies on this subject are incomplete, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA and PFOS, substances from the PFAS family, “carcinogenic to humans” and “possible carcinogen”. In May, parliamentarians voted to ban PFAS in cosmetics and textiles… while sparing kitchenware.
So, what should we do with our non-stick coated aluminum pans?
We part with them if they date from before 2020, the date on which Europe banned PFOA in coatings. For the rest, we apply the precautionary principle: “We throw away our pans if they are scratched because this increases the risk of absorbing Teflon,” explains Pauline Cervan. We avoid discount brands and check the “PFOA-free” label.”
What do we invest in?
We turn to stainless steel utensils widely favored by chefs and specialists, ensuring that they are 18/10 stainless steel (resistant to oxidation and guaranteed to be food neutral). Well maintained, stainless steel batteries last twenty-five to thirty years. A good choice? The Atma stainless steel frying pan. You can also choose cast iron, more expensive, but durable and recyclable. Another option is copper, which has very good heat transmission qualities but, on contact with air, it oxidizes. Why not opt for copper covered with stainless steel, more expensive but more stable?
Well maintained, stainless steel batteries last twenty-five to thirty years
The Mauviel brand remains a must. Finally, today, many market players offer so-called “ceramic” coatings. In reality, it is a mixture of water and silica. We still have little perspective on their potential harmful effects. Be careful, therefore.
