Short answer: in coated aluminium cookware your food never touches the aluminium — the food-contact surface is a non-stick coating tested against food-contact regulations. Here is the full picture, from a manufacturer.
Why is aluminium so widely used?
Aluminium is a light metal that conducts heat quickly and evenly — which is why most modern pans are built on it: food cooks more uniformly and the pan stays easy to handle. Papilla bodies are pressed or forged from 99.5% pure aluminium.
Does food touch the aluminium?
No. In non-stick cookware the food-contact surface is the PTFE-based coating; the aluminium body sits underneath it. Coatings are tested against food-contact regulations such as LFGB in Europe and FDA in the United States. How coatings work is covered in our non-stick coatings guide.
Is PTFE safe?
PTFE is inert at normal cooking temperatures and its food-contact use is accepted by regulators worldwide. The one genuine rule: don't leave an empty pan on high heat — coatings begin to degrade at very high temperatures that a pan with food in it simply doesn't reach in normal use.
What about a scratched coating?
Light surface scratches mainly reduce non-stick performance. A pan whose coating is visibly flaking or deeply scratched is best replaced — for performance and peace of mind alike. To make yours last, see the care guide.
Assurance on the manufacturing side
Papilla production is ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environment) certified, and our facilities pass independent social-compliance audits including BSCI, SEDEX and ICS. Since 1999 we have exported to 85+ countries, supplying products that pass international retailers' own testing.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to cook in aluminium cookware?
Yes. In coated aluminium cookware food never touches the metal; the food-contact surface is a non-stick coating tested against regulations such as LFGB and FDA.
Is PTFE (Teflon-type) coating harmful?
PTFE is inert at normal cooking temperatures and its food-contact use is accepted by regulators worldwide. The one rule: never leave an empty pan on high heat.
Can I keep using a scratched non-stick pan?
Light surface scratches mainly reduce release performance. A pan with visibly flaking or deeply scratched coating is best replaced.