No, PFOA is significantly worse than PTFE. While both belong to the PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) family, they have completely different safety and regulatory profiles:
Six states have passed laws banning PFAS in cookware: Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Despite the Governor's veto, Californians can still protect themselves and the environment by saying NO to Teflon, PTFE, or other PFAS when buying cookware.
Does Chick-fil-A's packaging contain PFAS? Products with oil and grease resistant coatings containing PFAS were fully phased out chainwide in the summer of 2022.
PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) was once commonly used to manufacture PTFE coatings, but it's no longer used in most cookware today. Why? Because it's been linked to long-term health and environmental concerns, and major manufacturers phased it out around 2013.
PTFE has been recognised by health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as a material that poses no risk to human health and is safe for food contact.
Consumer studies and independent laboratory testing have found that Ziploc brand bags do not contain detectable levels of PFAS ("forever chemicals").
The safest, least toxic cookware includes 100% pure ceramic, cast iron, carbon steel, and high-quality stainless steel. These materials are naturally free from PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, and heavy metals. If you want non-stick properties without the chemicals, PFAS-free ceramic-coated options are the best alternatives.
Concerns About PFAS
You might have heard about PFAS, a group of chemicals often used in the production of non-stick cookware. However, most parchment paper does not contain PFAS.
While there is no immediate medical treatment or magic pill to "flush" PFAS out overnight, your body eliminates them naturally over time through bodily functions like urination, sweating, and blood loss (such as menstruation).
If possible, use stainless steel or cast-iron pans. These materials are safer alternatives to PFAS coatings and can be non-stick when used correctly. There are many coatings and materials marketed as healthy alternatives to non-stick, but cast-iron and stainless steel are time-tested and proven to be safe.
Thankfully, not all butter contain PFAS. A recent study found that 16 out of 32 wrappers tested showed detectable levels of fluorine. The presence of fluorine is an indicator of PFAS. However, just 8 out of the 22 brands that were tested had indicated there were PFAS in their wrappers [1].
Fast Food Chains Ranked by Health (2026)
Chick-fil-A cannot legally call its frozen treat "ice cream" because it lacks the required 10% minimum milk fat to meet the FDA's strict definition. Instead, the chain classifies its signature dessert as a "frozen dairy dessert" and coined the trademarked name Icedream.
PTFE (often known by the brand name Teflon) does not cause cancer. In its solid state, PTFE is inert, non-toxic, and too large for the body to absorb. However, cancer concerns previously arose from PFOA, a separate chemical once used in PTFE manufacturing.
The most obvious sign that it is time to throw away a Teflon pan is if the non-stick coating is damaged. Scratches, dents or obvious signs of wear can reduce the effectiveness of the coating and, more importantly, increase the risk of Teflon particles getting into the food.
The best PTFE alternative depends entirely on your application. For non-stick cookware, swap PTFE (Teflon) for seasoned cast iron, carbon steel, or ceramic. In plumbing, use pipe dope, hemp paste, or PTFE-free polyurethane tapes. For engineering and industrial uses, switch to PEEK or PFA thermoplastics.
It depends on the specific filter type. Standard Brita filters do not reliably remove PFAS, but their upgraded models, like the Brita Elite pitcher and certain proprietary cartridges, are tested to significantly reduce specific "forever chemicals" like PFOS and PFOA.
Tap water quality varies significantly across the U.S. based on industrial runoff, aging infrastructure, and chemical treatments. Cities with the worst tap water often feature high levels of contaminants like PFAS, lead, or radioactive byproducts.
PFAS are generally considered more dangerous than microplastics. While both are widespread "forever pollutants," PFAS are toxic at extremely low levels and are definitively linked to severe, confirmed health issues. Microplastics are physically invasive, but their direct health effects on humans are still being studied.
Although parchment never stopped being used (primarily for governmental documents and diplomas) it had ceased to be a primary choice for artists' supports by the end of the 15th century Renaissance. This was partly due to its expense and partly due to its unusual working properties.
For the safest non-toxic, non-stick cooking, look to ceramic-coated pans (like Caraway or GreenPan) which are completely free of PFAS and Teflon. For ultimate longevity and safety, choose naturally non-stick materials like seasoned cast iron (Lodge) or carbon steel (Made In).
Parchment paper is not designed for high-heat cooking. Avoid using it in your oven or on the grill if temperature will exceed 400 degrees, says Michelle Weaver, chef at Charleston Grill in South Carolina, as there's a chance it could catch fire.
In family kitchens, non-stick pans are the first choice for many housewives and cooking enthusiasts because of their easy cleaning and anti-stick properties. However, professional chefs rarely use non-stick pans in kitchens, preferring stainless steel, cast iron or carbon steel pans.
Avoid traditional non-stick pans with worn coatings or synthetic "forever chemicals" (PFAS), as well as unlined copper and reactive aluminum. Scratched or overheated pans release toxic fumes or leach heavy metals into your food.
The best non-stick pan for eggs is the OXO Good Grips Pro 8-inch or 10-inch Nonstick Skillet. It features a lightweight design for easy flipping, a stay-cool handle, and a thick, multi-layer coating that releases eggs flawlessly. It provides an excellent balance of durability, performance, and affordability.