Minnesota Defines Cookware Covered by PFAS Ban

New information published by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) on the types of products that will be subject to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) prohibitions beginning in January 2025 includes an explanation of the items considered “cookware.” Cookware is one of the initial 11 products subject to the state’s ban of products containing intentionally added PFAS under Minn. Stat. § 116.943, better known as Amara’s Law.

MPCA states on its 2025 PFAS prohibitions webpage that it considers cookware to mean the specifically listed items in the law, or different forms of the listed items, which include a component that has a nonstick coating containing intentionally added PFAS. Amara’s Law defines “Cookware” as “durable houseware items used to prepare, dispense, or store food, foodstuffs, or beverages” and “include but is not limited to pots, pans, skillets, grills, baking sheets, baking mods, trays, bowls, and cooking utensils.”

MPCA further explains that different forms of cookware include woks and electric versions of the listed items, such as a waffle maker (baking mold) with a nonstick coating. The Agency also points out that air fryers are considered cookware if they include a component—such as a pan, baking sheet, tray, or grill—that has a nonstick coating containing intentionally added PFAS. An example given of a cookware product that is not included is an electric coffee machine.

Minnesota’s ban on intentionally added PFAS in food packaging became effecting in January 2024. For more information on that ban, see the Packaginglaw.com article, Minnesota’s Ban on PFAS in Food Packaging Becomes Effective Jan. 1.