The Cookware Sustainability Alliance is grateful to Governor Newsom for his veto, reflecting his concerns about the impact this bill would have had on the availability of affordable options in cooking products for millions of Californians.

We will continue to rely on facts and science proving that the non-stick coating used on cookware (like PTFE) is safe and should not be conflated with harmful PFAS chemicals.

We agree with reactions by many that the problem stems from production of harmful PFAS chemicals. In SB 682, the concerns expressed by advocacy groups with emissions of harmful PFAS into the environment was not addressed—instead the bill attempted to use cookware to indirectly “regulate” chemical production. This clearly would not achieve the policy goals of phasing out PFAS because the cookware industry is a very small fraction of sales by the chemical industry.

We look forward to engaging with all stakeholders, and we’ll continue to point out that fluoropolymers are inert and do not bioaccumulate. They also cannot dissolve in water, therefore posing no threat to this nation’s water systems. Fluoropolymers like PTFE are significantly different than other harmful forms of PFAS, and yesterday’s outcome in California reflects the fact that non-stick cookware is completely safe.

View Governor’s Veto Message

The Cookware Sustainability Alliance is grateful to Governor Newsom for his veto, reflecting his concerns about the impact this bill would have had on the availability of affordable options in cooking products for millions of Californians.

We will continue to rely on facts and science proving that the non-stick coating used on cookware (like PTFE) is safe and should not be conflated with harmful PFAS chemicals.

We agree with reactions by many that the problem stems from production of harmful PFAS chemicals. In SB 682, the concerns expressed by advocacy groups with emissions of harmful PFAS into the environment was not addressed—instead the bill attempted to use cookware to indirectly “regulate” chemical production. This clearly would not achieve the policy goals of phasing out PFAS because the cookware industry is a very small fraction of sales by the chemical industry.

We look forward to engaging with all stakeholders, and we’ll continue to point out that fluoropolymers are inert and do not bioaccumulate. They also cannot dissolve in water, therefore posing no threat to this nation’s water systems. Fluoropolymers like PTFE are significantly different than other harmful forms of PFAS, and yesterday’s outcome in California reflects the fact that non-stick cookware is completely safe.

View Governor’s Veto Message

The misunderstandings in this statement are a direct reflection of the disinformation campaign being waged against the cookware industry today:

“While the manufacturers escape accountability, ratepayers and local governments have been struggling to keep up with the ballooning costs of cleaning these ‘forever chemicals’ from our water infrastructure.”

-Statement by the author of California’s SB 682, following the veto of the bill

We Do Not Manufacture Chemicals

Non-stick coating (PTFE) is manufactured by chemical companies. These chemical companies will often then sell that PTFE to ‘Formulators’, which are companies that will add other properties to meet the specifications of each cookware company. That blend is then sold to cookware companies. In other words, cookware companies are two-steps removed from being a manufacturer of any chemical. Yet some will still claim that banning cookware “addresses the problem at the source.” This defies logic quite frankly.

PTFE Is Not Water Soluble

PTFE molecules cannot dissolve in water and are not mobile in the environment. Because of this, they simply cannot and do not enter any water systems. In fact, most water agencies across the country do not even test for PTFE; they test for other PFAS chemicals that are known to be linked to disease (e.g., PFOA and PFOS) because water agencies are not concerned about the safety of PTFE.

If the Concern Is the Production of PTFE or PFOA in Water Systems, Let’s Have That Conversation

But don’t attack the most affordable and popular form of cookware in the nation, often sweeping in an array of other kitchen and restaurant products, trying to solve for an important, but unrelated problem.

Get the Facts

Latest News

Nonstick cookware is sparking a celebrity food fight

Sept 26, 2025 – CNN

A battle is brewing between California legislators who plan to ban “forever chemicals” from cookware, and celebrity chefs who oppose it — including David Chang and Rachael Ray.

Is nonstick cookware safe? Experts break down what to know and how to find PFAS-free alternatives

Sept 24, 2025 – NBC

Avoid cooking with forever chemicals by using stainless steel, ceramic and cast iron pots and pans.

As California looks to ban non-stick cookware, not everyone is pleased

Sept 17, 2025 – AirTalk

To stick or not to stick? That is the question at the heart of California Senate Bill 682, which recently passed in the house and legislature.

All News Updates

Take Action

Tell your Assemblymember: Don’t punish Californians for using safe cookware. Reject SB 682.