PFAS-free cooking with BEKA

WHAT ARE PFOS AND PFOA?

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are chemical substances that do not occur naturally in the environment, but are human-made compounds. The most well-known chemicals in the cookware world are PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE (Teflon). They are primarily used to make materials water, oil, and dirt-repellent, and are used in non-stick coatings on pans, as well as in food packaging materials, firefighting foams, textiles, and cosmetics.

A number of these substances are not biodegradable, or only degrade over long periods, and are virtually indestructible. Research has shown that PFAS can already be detected in nature, as well as in our drinking water and food, albeit in smaller amounts. So, not only can these chemicals have a harmful effect on the environment, but also on our bodies. An accumulation of these substances in the body, in particular, poses a health risk. Since it has been proven that some PFAS can be harmful to humans and animals, this chemical has been increasingly in the news.

But this is nothing new. Global measures were taken back in 2013 to ban PFOS and PFOA in a large number of applications and products, including cookware. Consequently, all BEKA products are completely PFOS and PFOA-free.

PTFE vs. PFOA

PTFE is often wrongly confused with PFOA, but it is not the same chemical. PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene, better known by its brand name Teflon. Although it belongs to the PFAS group, it is a safe, non-toxic coating for non-stick pans.

Prior to 2013, PFOA was used during the PTFE manufacturing process. But thanks to technological innovations, PTFE is now made without using PFOA.

Of course, it is always wise to use common sense: if your pan has a non-stick coating that is no longer in the best condition, invest in a new one. As with all other tools and utensils, it is advisable to stop using them if damaged.

BEKA's PFAS-free cookware

At BEKA, we continuously work to improve our product range. That includes investing extensively in the design and production of PFAS-free pans.

Our Mandala pan, for example, is a highly successful result of these efforts. This high-quality, iron, non-stick pan can be used for easy frying, sautéing, and much more. On the inside, the combination of a unique pattern and ceramic non-stick layer guarantees a perfect cooking result.

One of our purest pan collections is the Nomad. Our sustainable Nomad pans are made of sheet steel, making them the perfect choice for those wishing to cook and fry with cookware that is not only high-quality, but also healthy.

Seasoning with oil lets you create a healthy, 100% natural, non-stick layer. The more you use the pan, the better the natural patina layer.

But the most sustainable solution may very well be traditional stainless steel frying pans without a non-stick coating, such as our best-selling Maestro, Chef, and Evolution collections.

Admittedly, food may stick more easily if you do not use enough fat or oil, but once you master the technique, you won’t want to cook without it!

Discover our 100% safe wok, grill, and frying pans here: https://www.beka-cookware.com/en-gb/frying.