Is Your Cookware Safe?

Here's a good tip from health experts, take a quick look at your cookware and be sure it's safe. Metals like aluminum and copper can get into foods once pans become worn from use, and while trace amounts of these minerals are good for you, too much can lead to memory problems, or worse! So examine your aluminum and copper pans for pitting, scratching, and other sign of wear. When in doubt, play it safe and replace them.

It's also a good idea to give your one-stick pans a look-over. While the slick surface is perfect for lower fat cooking, if the non-stick coating is starting to peel or flake, it's time to throw it out. Cast iron and stainless steel cookware are among the most durable, and experts say these metals pose no risk when scratched or worn, but do check handles and other parts to make sure they're firmly attached. Finally, inspect glass or pottery cooking and baking dishes for cracks and chips. Such crevices make the pans hard to clean, so you may want to replace them, too. Now you're not only cooking smart, you're cooking safe!