Newsom Vetos Bill That Could've Banned Nonstick Cookware

California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have phased out the use of “forever chemicals” in cookware. The potential law drew sharp criticism from some of the country’s most recognizable chefs.

Passed by both houses of the California legislature in September, the new law sought to ban the sale of pans and other cookware containing PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — starting in 2030.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals prized for their durability and nonstick properties, but are nearly impossible to break down in the environment. Public health experts have warned that these synthetic chemicals accumulate in the body. They've been linked to cancer, liver and kidney disease, and developmental issues.

However, in his veto message, Newsom said the bill raised concerns about the availability of affordable cookware and would impact too broad a range of products.

"I believe we must carefully consider the consequences that may result fro ma dramatic shift of products on our shelves," he wrote.

A coalition of celebrity chefs — Rachel Ray, David Chang, Thomas Keller, Marcus Samuelsson and more — banded together last month to defend nonstick pans. The group of well-known chefs, who all sell or have collaborated on cookware lines, launched an oppositional effort, No On SB 682: Protect Safe Cookware.

The chefs, many of which either own or support cookware lines that contain PFAS, argued that nonstick pans are safe when used correctly and responsibly.

"I respect and share the Legislature’s commitment [to] protecting public health and the environment," Keller said. "However, I encourage you to fully evaluate the complete body of scientific evidence before moving forward with any restrictions."

In letters submitted to the Legislature, they argued that high-quality nonstick cookware made with PTFE, a common fluoropolymer, is safe and essential for both professional kitchens and home cooks.

"I believe the best way forward is to educate, not eliminate. Give consumers the facts and trust them to make informed decisions," Ray wrote in her letter.

Ray has a line of cookware that would have been banned from sale in California if the law did receive Newsom's signature.

David Chang — who previously defended MSG amid health concerns and has pushed back against stigma surrounding microwave use — also submitted a letter supporting PFAS.

"The reality is that some foods are extremely difficult to cook well without nonstick pans," the Momofuku owner wrote. "Alternatives such as stainless steel, cast iron, or newer coatings often come with trade-offs: they can be more costly, less durable, or harder for many home cooks to use successfully."

"I believe the better path is education, not elimination," he continued, adding that he believes PTFE has been proven safe when used responsibly.

PTFE, otherwise known as Teflon, is most commonly used as a nonstick coating for cookware. According to a study published with the National Institutes of Health, at normal cooking temperatures, the cookware coating releases various gases and chemicals that present mild to severe toxicity.

"Legislatures are actively being misled by businesses making false safety claims and using affordability as a red herring," wrote Dr. Katie Pelch, a senior scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council.

PTFEs can also pose risks if a pan is scratched during cooking or cleaning.

"As a nurse and a public health scientist, we are concerned by this, and it is why we are in support of getting these harmful chemicals out of our cookware and other products," Pelch wrote. "The good news is that there are already many affordable and safer alternatives to PFAS in our cookware, like stainless steel, ceramic, and cast-iron pans."