Are FEP and PFA the same as PTFE?

No, they are different fluoropolymers, though all three are generally grouped in the PFAS family.

Is PTFE-free cookware free of FEP and PFA?

Not necessarily. A PTFE-free label does not cover them, so look for a PFAS-free statement from the maker.

Which pans have no fluoropolymer coating?

Stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel and enameled cookware have none. Check the maker's description for each pan.

What Are FEP and PFA in Cookware?

FEP and PFA are two fluoropolymers, plastic-like materials that belong to the PFAS family along with PTFE. They can appear in some nonstick coatings, liners and bakeware finishes. A label that says only PTFE-free may not mention them, so look for a statement that says PFAS-free.

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The names

FEP stands for fluorinated ethylene propylene, and PFA stands for perfluoroalkoxy alkane. Both are fluoropolymers, a group that also includes PTFE, the coating most people know as nonstick. According to the US EPA, PFAS is a large group of human-made chemicals, and fluoropolymers are generally treated as part of it.

Do not confuse the abbreviation PFA with PFAS. In cookware talk, PFA is a specific polymer, while PFAS is the family name.

Why the label can be confusing

PTFE-free: the coating is not PTFE, but the label does not say whether FEP, PFA or another fluorinated material is used.
PFOA-free: this speaks to one chemical once used in making some fluoropolymers. It does not describe the coating.
PFAS-free: the broadest claim. Look for the maker's own statement, and any testing it names.
Non-toxic: not a defined standard for cookware, so treat it as a seller claim and read the material list.

How to check a pan

Look for the surface material in the product details. Bare stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel and enameled cookware have no nonstick coating to ask about. For a nonstick or ceramic-type pan, ask the maker what the coating is, and whether the lid, handle and any liner fall under the same statement.

Care sheets also give hints. Makers of coated pans typically give heat limits and utensil advice, and they should state what the coating is made of.

Where to go next

Our PFAS-free cookware guide compares materials and shows how to price a set against single pieces, and our answer on PFAS, PFOA and PTFE explains the other abbreviations. This page explains labels and does not give medical advice. For health questions, ask your doctor and see the EPA's PFAS pages for current information.

Sources

US EPA PFAS information pages
Manufacturer coating and care information

What are FEP and PFA in cookware?

At a glance

The names

Why the label can be confusing

How to check a pan

Where to go next

Sources

Frequently asked questions