Christine J. Patrick, County Extension Agent – EFNEP
There are countless types of cookware. The applications and food safety considerations for everyday cookware are described below. Knowing these qualities will help you make ideal choices for your cooking purposes.
Pottery: Pottery is one of the oldest cooking vessels known to man, but not all pottery is safe for cooking. Some pottery contains lead and should not be used for cooking, serving, or storing food products. Lead is a common element in the glazes and decorations used in pottery. When pottery is not treated correctly, lead can leach into food products during cooking, serving, and storage. Leached lead does not change the look or taste of foods but can cause lead poisoning. Lead poisoning is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women as it can cause learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and severe illness.
Pottery Safety Guidelines:
- Pottery made in the United States must meet safety guidelines for lead. Look for safety labels that state “Safe for food use.”
- Do not prepare food in pottery made in Mexico or Latin America because there is a risk for high lead levels. Some foreign manufacturers may label their pottery as “lead-free,” but the FDA recommends avoiding these pottery products for food-contact purposes. Also, beware of imported pottery pitchers and mugs as they may also have a significant lead.
- Follow recommendations that state: “Not for food use;” “Plate may poison food;” or “For decorative purposes only.” And, keep in mind that warning labels may be erased or painted over.
- Pottery is unsafe to use if a gray powder on the glaze appears after the crockery has been washed.
For more lead information, call your county health department. The public health department can check your family for lead poisoning and may be able to test your pottery for lead.
Aluminum Cookware: Aluminum is present in the air, water, soil, plants, animals, foods, and household products. More than half of all cookware sold today is made of aluminum. Aluminum cookware is often coated with nonstick finishes or treated to harden the surface and make it more scratch-resistant. Storing highly acidic or salty foods such as tomato sauce, rhubarb, or sauerkraut in aluminum pots is not recommended. The acid in these foods may cause more aluminum than usual to enter the food and can cause pitting on the pot’s surface.
Anodized Aluminum Cookware: Anodized aluminum has been processed to harden the cookware surface. This process creates a nonstick, scratch-resistant, and easy-to-clean product. An anodized surface prevents reactions with acidic foods, so these pots and pans are top choices for cooking rhubarb and sauces with tomato, wine, and lemon juice. Manufacturers claim that the aluminum is sealed during the final stage of anodization to prevent the leaching of aluminum into food.
Cast Iron Cookware: Cast iron cookware is a classic. It is vital, inexpensive, and an even conductor of heat. Cooking with cast iron provides a source of iron, which is an essential nutrient. Cooking foods in unglazed cast iron may double the amount of iron in foods.
Cast-iron cookware requires special handling. To prevent rust damage:
- Frequently coat the inside of cast iron cookware with unsalted cooking oil.
- Do not scour or wash with solid detergents
- Dry immediately after rinsing
Copper Cookware: Copper is an excellent conductor of heat and perfect for range-top cooking. Cooks often prefer copper cookware for delicate sauces and foods that require cooking at precisely controlled temperatures. Copper cookware is usually lined with tin or stainless steel. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions against unlined copper cookware for general cooking. Some foods are capable of dissolving metals, and insufficient quantities, of leached copper, can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Nonstick Coatings: Cookware made with nonstick coatings is popular and widely available. It is easy to use and generally requires using less oil during cooking. Nonstick coatings will wear away with rugged use, and particles may chip off, so following manufacturers’ instructions for use and care is essential. Non-scoring or non-scratching utensils and cleaning aids should be used. The FDA approves of this material and finds it safe for food-contact surfaces. The FDA has determined that neither the particles that may chip off nor the fumes are given off at high temperatures pose a health hazard. Nonstick cookware has been used in millions of households worldwide for over 40 years, and traditional agencies worldwide have confirmed its safety when used as intended.
Stainless Steel Cookware: Stainless steel combines iron and other metals. It contains chromium and may contain nickel, molybdenum, or titanium, which contribute to a hardness that resists damage at high temperatures, scratching, and corrosion. Stainless steel is a durable cookware choice because it will not permanently rust or tarnish, and its complex, non-porous surface is resistant to wear. Stainless steel cookware does not conduct heat evenly; it is commonly constructed with copper or aluminum bottoms. Manufacturers caution against allowing acidic or salty foods to remain in stainless steel for long periods. Although there are no known health hazards from the leaching of the metal, undissolved salt can pit steel surfaces.
Ceramic and Enameled Cookware: Metal cookware is often coated with a ceramic or enamel coating to add color and resistance to stains, scratches, and food odors. Domestically- manufactured ceramic and enamel cookware, including slow-cookers and crockpots, is generally considered safe and is monitored by the FDA. The FDA has established maximum levels for leachable lead in ceramic and enamel coatings, and products that exceed these levels are subject to recall or agency enforcement action. In the 1970s, excessive levels of potentially toxic cadmium were found in pigments used to color the interior of enamel cookware manufactured overseas. The FDA prohibited importing these products and continues to monitor imports. When purchasing imported enamel cookware, check the list of potentially unsafe products that can be found at FDA Import Alert 52-08: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_122.html
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